EasyJet’s former chief operating officer is joining the owner of Southend and Carlisle airports and regional carrier Stobart Air.
Warwick Brady is joining logistics firm Stobart Group as deputy group chief executive on January 3.
The appointment follows the breakdown of a plan for Irish carrier CityJet to acquire Stobart Air, the carrier formerly known as Aer Arann.
Instead, Stobart Air announced earlier this month that it is to expand operations to 18 new destinations from Southend airport next summer through an existing franchise deal with Flybe.
Brady was also deputy operations director at Ryanair for three years to 2005 and deputy chief executive of low cost carrier Buzz following its acquisition from KLM.
Stobart Group chief executive Andrew Tinkler said: “I am delighted that Warwick has agreed to join us and I look forward to working with him.
“His commercial and operational experience will benefit the whole group and his proven aviation industry expertise will provide added impetus as we build on the platform we have created in our aviation division.”
Brady added: “I have known Andrew for several years through the relationship between easyJet and Stobart at London Southend airport and I am excited to be joining the team.
“I have followed the group’s progress as it has built valuable platforms in aviation, energy, infrastructure and rail on the back of its logistics and customer service expertise and I hope to be able to help all of the divisions to create value.
“With the increasing pressure on the limited capacity at London’s other airports, I see London Southend airport as very well placed and I look forward to helping to unlock the potential of the airports and the regional airline business.”