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| Photo Eric Luke / The Irish Times |
The mega European airline group behind British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Level and Aer Lingus - the International Airlines Group confirmed on Thursday 11th October that the boss of its Irish airline, Aer Lingus will step down at the start of next year.
Stephen Kavanagh steps down as CEO on 1st January 2019 to pursue other interests, after a career that spanned over three decades at the Irish airline, with the last four in the top job. Although, he will still remain a non-executive director of the company.
Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive and Aer Lingus chairman, said: “Stephen has been an exceptional chief executive and has transformed and modernised Aer Lingus. After a 30-year career, he has decided to step down. We wish him all the very best for the future and heartfelt thanks for all his outstanding achievements. We’re delighted that Stephen will remain on Aer Lingus’ board and provide advice and guidance to the airline”.
Taking over the top job at the Irish carrier which is part-way through a massive expansion programme will be Sean Doyle, a British Airways director. Doyle originally from Cork joined British Airways in 1998 and has undertaken financial, strategy, commercial and alliance roles for carrier and was appointed to the airline’s executive management committee in 2016.
Walsh commented. “Sean has successfully held a variety of roles within British Airways, acquiring significant expertise and experience, which makes him ideally suited to lead Aer Lingus."
