International Airlines Group (IAG) has confirmed that Luis Gallego, the former chairman of Iberia, one of the Group's carriers, has officially taken over from Willie Walsh as Chief Executive, effective Tuesday September 8, immediately after the Group's Annual General Meeting.
Commenting on his new position, Gallego said: “It's an honour to become IAG's chief executive, following in Willie's footsteps and building on all that he has achieved in the past nine years. This is a hugely difficult time for our industry. Not only do we face the immediate challenge of COVID, but we must ensure that IAG is strong and resilient when it emerges from the crisis. The Group was in good shape before COVID with a history of strong profitable growth. We have a portfolio of world class brands, acquired through selective M&A, in which we have invested effectively for the benefit of our customers while keeping costs under control. My goal is to ensure that IAG adapts to the ‘new normal' in aviation and builds on its strengths to secure a strong future for the Group, our customers, shareholders and employees.”
He became Iberia's chief executive back in March 2013, turning the fortunes of the Spanish flag-carrying airline round to profitability before the pandemic struck. Previously he had worked at Vueling before joining Iberia Express as chief operating officer in 2009.
