Etihad Restructures With 5 Senior Appointments

Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad Airways has made five senior appointments as part of a restructuring plan to become the Etihad Aviation Group.

Etihad said the new structure distinguishes the functions relating purely to Etihad Airways and those which support the growth and success of its subsidiaries, joint venture companies and equity partners.

The most significant appointment is Rick Allen, former MD of flight operations for Air Canada, who will take the role of SVP of operations. Allen is a trained pilot with over 30 years’ experience and a current licence to fly the Boeing 777 aircraft.

“The operations role is critical to the operation of the airline and I am very pleased we have been able to appoint an internationally experienced operations executive in Rick Allen,” said James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways.

Other appointments include Chris Youlten, who will take the newly created position of SVP, airport and network operations, having formerly been VP of network operations at the airline.

Both Youlten and Andrew Ward, who has been promoted to SVP of marketing from VP of marketing, will report to Etihad’s newly created COO position when the role is appointed.

Fiona Morrison has been appointed VP, guest experience Midfield Terminal, having previously been VP, guest experience. She will support the delivery of guest experience at Etihad’s new hub development at Abu Dhabi International Airport from July 2017.

Calum Laming has been appointed VP, guest experience. He returns to Etihad, where he was previously head of guest experience before joining Air New Zealand as GM, customer experience.