Airbus has announced major changes of management with Fabrice Bregier stepping down in February 2018 and Tom Enders following in April 2019.

Enders, the chief executive officer (CEO), has advised the board of directors that he does not wish to seek another term beyond his current mandate, which runs until the 2019 Annual Shareholders Meeting.

Chief operating officer & Airbus Commercial Aircraft president, Fabrice Bregier does not intend to be part of the selection process for the role of CEO, and will step down in February 2018 to pursue other interests.

CEO of Airbus Helicopters, Guillaume Faury will succeed Bregier as president of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, and the board will assess CEO candidates in 2018 with the intention of announcing a successor to Enders at the 2019 Annual General Meeting.

Enders says it has been a privilege to work at Airbus but feels the company needs a leadership change, saying: “We need fresh minds for the 2020s. In the coming 16 months, I will work with the Board to ensure a smooth transition to the next CEO and a new generation of leaders; I will focus on our business challenges; and I will further progress and strengthen our ethics and compliance programmes.”

Bregier says after 25 years at the company, it is time to pursue other opportunities, saying: “I have been fully dedicated to Airbus and to its success during all these years, and up to my departure next year I will remain focused on meeting Airbus’ commitments to all stakeholders and on ensuring a smooth handover to my successor.”