Former Thomson Airways boss Chris Browne has become chief operating officer at easyJet after a period as a non-executive director of the budget airline.
She will take up the job from next month after stepping down from the company’s board on Friday (September 30).
EasyJet’s current chief operating officer Warwick Brady is leaving the airline after seven years.
The airline is due to update investors for the first time after the referendum next week on its performance over the summer.
Browne led Thomson Airways as managing director and then took on the expanded role of chief operating officer parent company Tui’s aviation division.
She joined the board of easyJet as a non-executive director last November.
The move comes as UK airlines face security concerns following terrorist attacks in Europe and the fall in the value of the pound after the Brexit vote.
EasyJet chief executive Carolyn McCall said: “I would like to welcome Chris to the executive team at easyJet.
“We know her well – she has an amazing track record in the airline and travel industries. She has significant operational expertise and really understands easyJet. We are all really looking forward to her joining the easyJet team.”
Browne said: “I’m delighted to be joining Carolyn and the great team at easyJet at this exciting time.”