British Airways network, fleet and alliances director Sean Doyle is to take the helm at sister carrier Aer Lingus.
He is to succeed the Irish carrier’s chief executive Stephen Kavanagh, who is stepping down in January after four years in the role.
Kavanagh, who is leaving to pursue other interests, will remain on the airline’s board as a non-executive director.
Doyle joined BA in 1998 and has undertaken financial, strategy, commercial and alliance roles for the airline. He was appointed to the airline’s executive management committee in 2016.
Willie Walsh, chief executive of the two airlines parent company International Airlines Group and chairman of Aer Lingus, said: “Stephen has been an exceptional chief executive and has transformed and modernised Aer Lingus.
“After a 30-year career, he has decided to step down. We wish him all the very best for the future and heartfelt thanks for all his outstanding achievements.
“We’re delighted that Stephen will remain on Aer Lingus’ board and provide advice and guidance to the airline”.
Kavanagh said: “After a 30-year career in Aer Lingus with the last four years as chief executive, I’ve taken the decision to step down to pursue other interests.
“By any objective measure Aer Lingus has been successful in recent years and continues to have significant opportunity to build upon the strong fundamentals of our value model.”
Doyle, originally from Cork, will take over at Aer Lingus on January 1, 2019.
Walsh added. “Sean has successfully held a variety of roles within British Airways, acquiring significant expertise and experience, which makes him ideally suited to lead Aer Lingus.
“I am pleased that Aer Lingus chief operating officer, Mike Rutter, has extended his contract and will work with Sean to ensure that the airline continues to deliver its strong performance.”