On 8 September, Luis Gallego, former Iberia Chief Executive, took up his new role as International Airline Group’s Chief Executive, stating: “My goal is to ensure that IAG adapts to the “new normal” in aviation and builds on its strengths to secure a strong future for the Group, our customers, shareholders and employees.”
A month later Gallego has wielded the axe with Alex Cruz, Chairman and Chief Executive of British Airways moving aside as Non-Executive Chairman. He is replaced by Sean Doyle, Chairman and Chief Executive of Aer Lingus.
Elsewhere within IAG, Fernando Candela, LEVEL Chief Executive, joins the Group’s Management Committee in a new role of Chief Transformation Officer, while at Aer Lingus, Donal Moriarty, currently the airline’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, will become Interim Chief Executive. A permanent appointment will be announced in due course.
According to Alvaro Lopez-Jorrin, Board Secretary, “As our new team comes together, we remain focused on making the right operational and strategic decisions for the long-term benefit of all IAG’s stakeholders.”
Over in Italy, the name Alitalia has been consigned to history with the establishment of its replacement, the catchy-named Italia Trasporti Aereo.
For Italy’s Minister of Economy and Finance Roberto Gualtieri, the Newco represents the “first step towards the establishment of a quality carrier capable of competing on the international market,” backed by “the choice of top-level managers and great skills able to develop and implement a solid and sustainable industrial plan.”
Nunzia Catalfo, Minister of Labour and Social Policies, added: “We need a national airline to help Italy get back on track. With the birth of the Newco we are faced with an ambitious challenge, which must necessarily be won in order to equip the country with a competitive and qualified air carrier, which enhances the professionalism and skills that we have always expressed in this sector.”
With Autumn in full flow, it seems now is the time for some to have a clean slate.
