The Etihad Aviation Group has appointed Tony Douglas as group chief executive officer (CEO) to lead its overhaul and he will join the company in January 2018.
Douglas joins Etihad from the UK’s Ministry of Defence, where he has served as CEO of the Defence Equipment and Support department, responsible for procuring and supporting all the equipment and services for the British Armed Forces.
Ray Gammell has been interim CEO since James Hogan left the company on 1 July, 2017.
In the UK, Douglas has held senior positions with airport operator BAA. His roles included managing director of the Heathrow Terminal 5 project, Group supply chain director, Group technical director, and CEO of Heathrow Airport.
Douglas has also held senior positions in the UAE, most notably as CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports Company and as CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Company.
Etihad Aviation Group board chairman, H.E. Al Mazrouei says: “We are delighted to have Tony return to Abu Dhabi to lead Etihad. He has guided the transformation of large organisations in the UAE and the UK, and he understands the UAE and the region.
“He is also deeply knowledgeable about commercial aviation and keenly familiar with Etihad’s challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing industry.”
Douglas says: “Etihad is a force in global aviation that must continue to adapt and evolve on its own and with industry partners. It is an economic and employment engine for the UAE and the region.
“With new infrastructure and attractions like the expanded airport, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Global Market, Etihad has a central role in supporting the UAE’s position as a global hub of transportation, tourism, commerce, and culture.”
The Etihad Aviation Group includes Etihad Airways and cargo arm Etihad Cargo.
