This week, the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) spotlights José A. Freig, another distinguished leadership laureate who will be celebrated at the 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 6, at Loews Coral Gables Hotel in the Miami area.
Freig is vice president of international and inflight dining operations at American Airlines. He oversees airport operations at more than 120 international destinations, business partner operations, and the delivery and performance of inflight dining on more than 6,200 daily departures from over 125 catering locations — all focused on providing an exceptional customer experience.
His career at American has spanned several of the airline’s most complex global operations. He previously served as vice president of international, contact center operations and service recovery, driving greater efficiency across the airline’s airports and contact centers.
Freig also led operations and commercial activities for Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America, working closely with team members and regional partners to strengthen American’s position as the leading U.S. airline serving those markets. His other leadership roles have included interim president of cargo, oversight of premium guest services, managing director of Latin America and Caribbean operations, and managing director of international government affairs and chief security officer.
He began his airline career with America West Airlines in 1997 and later served with Siemens Government Technologies as a security technology and screening liaison to federal agencies.
Freig serves on the board of directors of Hostage US and is affiliated with the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association, the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council and the Orange Bowl Committee.
The 2026 CMEx Leadership Awards and Fundraiser is powered by Platinum Sponsor, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, with Carnival Corporation serving as Gold Sponsor.
Major sponsors include The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission, Marketplace Excellence Corporation, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
Additional sponsors supporting the cause include Coco Palm (St. Lucia), Fond Doux Eco Resort (St. Lucia), Ladera Resort (St. Lucia), Mount Cinnamon Beach & Wellness Resort (Grenada), GRUPO PUNTACANA (The Westin Puntacana Resort), Tropical Attractions, and Vanessa James Media.
Proceeds support educational programs, youth development initiatives and professional training designed to empower the next generation of Caribbean tourism and media leaders.
For more details visit cmexmedia.org.
