BA CEO Alex Cruz to step down

British Airways CEO and Chairman Alex Cruz steps down as the airline navigates the ‘worst crisis faced in our industry’.

Cruz took the helm at BA in April 2016 having previously been chief executive of Spanish budget airline Vueling. He will remain as BA’s non-executive chairman.

He is being succeeded by Sean Doyle, Aer Lingus chairman and chief executive, who will take over as BA chairman after a transition period.

At Aer Lingus, Donal Moriarty, currently the airline’s chief corporate affairs officer, will become interim chief executive, with a permanent appointment to be announced in due course, according to parent company International Airlines Group.

Meanwhile, Fernando Candela, chief executive of low-cost, long-haul airline brand Level, is joining IAG’s management committee in a new role of chief transformation officer.

Announcing the changes, IAG chief executive Luis Gallego, 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 coordinate 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."

By Louise Longman, Contributing Editor (UK)