Flybe’s chief commercial officer Paul Simmons is leaving to join Malaysia Airlines.
Simmons is due to start a new role at MAS in the new year, based in Kuala Lumpur.
His role at the UK regional carrier is to be split under a new commercial organisational management structure.
A head of network planning and development and a second position leading the remaining commercial teams, including sales, marketing and customer care will be sought.
Both will sit on the operating board and report to chief executive Saad Hammad.
Hammad said: “Paul joined Flybe in 2013 and has had a strong impact in improving our customer proposition and refreshing our brand presentation.
“He has been offered a great role at Malaysian Airlines and will be with us for up to six months to ensure a smooth transition of his responsibilities.
“We would like to thank Paul for his leadership, contribution and commitment to Flybe over the past two years. We wish him and his family well for the future.”