Former Alitalia chief executive Giovanni Bisignani is returning as a non-executive director of the airline as part of a new management line-up prompted by a rescue by Etihad Airways.
Bisignani, one of a number of directors appointed by the UAE carrier as part of its deal to take a minority stake in loss-making Alitalia, is a former Iata director general and chief executive of Opodo.
Etihad boss James Hogan will become non-executive vice chairman of the Italian airline. The Gulf airline’s chief financial officer James Rigney also becomes a non-executive director.
Chief executive designate Silvano Cassano, a former Hertz Europe executive, takes the top job at the new Alitalia airline entity which is due to be formed on January 1. He is to prepare the new business plan for the carrier from 2015 onwards.
Cassano described the relaunch of Alitalia as being an “extremely challenging and exciting” project.
The new board, which will be appointed for a period of three years, will assume office immediately.
Hogan said: “We are very pleased to have received EU regulatory clearance and approval from the Italian civil aviation authorities to complete the transaction and now look forward to working in partnership with Silvano and the new Alitalia management team in reshaping the airline.
“We have a vision and a sound business plan to establish the right foundations for a sustainable and profitable company, and an efficient operation which will provide Italian travellers with improved connections worldwide, drive increased inbound tourism into the country, and safeguard thousands of Italian jobs”.
Chairman of the new Alitalia company, Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, said: “I am proud to welcome our new board as we embark on this exciting phase in our airline’s history.
“The diversity and depth of their cumulative experience and knowledge will be pivotal in supporting and guiding the implementation of the business plan and the successful turnaround of Alitalia.”