Mr Al Baker was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Airways in late 1996. In 1997 he relaunched Qatar Airways with new livery, a new logo, and a new philosophy of quality customer service. He also committed the airline to an aggressive strategic growth plan in which Qatar Airways has become one of the industry's latest success stories. The airline has steadily expanded its route network and will be flying to 60 destinations by the end of 2005. In 1997 the airline had just four aircraft. In five years time, Qatar Airways will command a fleet of 52 aircraft.

In the last six years, Mr Al Baker has also created Qatar Airways into a profitable group of companies that includes: Qatar Airways Holidays, Qatar Aviation Services, Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, Doha International Airport, United Media International, Qatar Distribution Company and Qatar Duty Free Company. He is Chief Executive Officer of the airline's seven subsidiary companies. 

In addition to his responsibilities at Qatar Airways, Mr Al Baker is also responsible for operating Doha International Airport. In this role he has overseen the QAR0.5 billion expansion and rejuvenation of the airport. Mr Al Baker is also playing an influential role in the shape of Doha's new international airport, which will position Doha as a major regional aviation hub well into the future. Mr Al Baker sits on the Government committee that is planning the new $2.5 billion airport, the first phase which will open in 2008.

Mr Al Baker has a strong interest in the development of tourism in Qatar and has significant plans for investment in the country's tourism infrastructure. He is Chairman of the Qatar Tourism Authority, which is responsible for promoting Qatar as a tourism destination. Mr Al Baker was instrumental in having the world's peak tourism body, the World Tourism and Travel Committee choose Doha as the host city for its 2004 Summit.

Mr Al Baker was born in Doha in 1960.  He is a graduate in Economics and Commerce and holds a private pilot license. 

Before his appointment to Qatar Airways, Mr Al Baker worked at various levels in the Civil Aviation Directorate, leading to his promotion as a Head of Finance and Administration.

Mr Al Baker is also a successful private businessman.