IAG chief Willie Walsh has been appointed chairman of the IATA Board of Governors for a one-year term.
He succeeds Andres Conesa, CEO of Aeromexico.
"I’m honoured to serve in this important role at such a critical time," said Walsh.
"Our top priority is getting governments’ agreement on a global market-based measure to manage aviation’s carbon emissions at the 39th Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization later this year.
"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity which is vital if our industry is to achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020."
Alexandre de Juniac, chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM, has already been confirmed to succeed Tony Tyler as IATA director general and CEO.
His appointment is effective from September 1.
IATA also announced the appointment of Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong as Board chair-elect for a one-year term, to take office from June 2017 following Walsh’s term.
