British Airways boss Alex Cruz is stepping down as chief executive but will remain as the airline’s non-executive chairman.
Cruz, former boss of Spanish budget carrier Vueling who took the helm at BA in 2016, is being succeeded by Aer Lingus chief Sean Doyle.
Doyle will also take over as chairman of the UK carrier after a transition period.
Donal Moriarty, the Irish airline’s chief corporate affairs officer, will become interim chief executive. A permanent appointment at Aer Lingus will be announced in due course, according to parent company International Airlines Group.
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In a further IAG senor management change, Fernando Candela, chief executive of long-haul low-cost arm Level, is joining the group’s management committee in a new role of chief transformation officer.
IAG chief executive Luis Gallego, former boss of Iberia who recently stepped up following the retirement of Willie Walsh, said: “IAG has proved itself to be one of the world’s leading airline groups with a portfolio of successful companies.
“We’re navigating the worst crisis faced in our industry and I’m confident these internal promotions will ensure IAG is well placed to emerge in a strong position.
“I want to thank Alex for all that he has done at British Airways. He worked tirelessly to modernise the airline in the years leading up to the celebration of its 100th anniversary.
“Since then, he has led the airline through a particularly demanding period and has secured restructuring agreements with the vast majority of employees.
“Sean Doyle has extensive experience at British Airways having worked there for 20 years before moving to head Aer Lingus nearly two years ago where he has done an excellent job. I am confident that will continue at British Airways.
“Fernando Candela, who has more than 25 years of experience in aviation and excelled at both Iberia Express and Level, joins our management committee in the new chief transformation officer role.
“He will co-ordinate change across the group, focusing on creating a company fit for a different future and ready to take advantage of new opportunities. In the short term, he will also remain chief executive of Level until a replacement is appointed.
“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.”
More: British Airways boss faces MPs over job cuts
Shareholders in British Airways owner IAG back €2.74bn rights issue
