A new year will deliver a new boss for Abu Dhabi-based airline, Etihad, with the appointment of Tony Douglas as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.
Douglas’ appointment was confirmed this morning by Etihad Aviation Group’s Chairman, Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, who described the new head honcho as “deeply knowledgeable about commercial aviation” and familiar with changing environments”.
Joining the company in January 2018, Douglas will do after spending several years with the UK’s Ministry of Defence where he served as CEO of the Defence Equipment and Support department.
As Group CEO, Douglas will work with the Board and leadership team to expand and implement a range of strategic initiatives to position Etihad for sustained success in an increasingly competitive regional and global aviation market.
“Etihad is a force in global aviation that must continue to adapt and evolve on its own and with industry partners.”
Tony Douglas, incoming Etihad Group Chief Executive
“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.”
Ray Gammell, who has served as Interim Group CEO since May 2017, said: “Etihad and its talented workforce have helped to reshape global and regional aviation. With new challenges and new opportunities, Tony will guide the company into the next phase of its development.”
Douglas will be supported by an experienced group leadership team which includes Ray Gammell, who will return to his position as Group Chief People & Performance Officer; Ricky Thirion, Interim Group Chief Financial Officer; Kevin Knight, Group Chief Strategy & Planning Officer; Mana Mohamed Saeed Al Mulla, Chief Group Support Services Officer; Henning zur Hausen, General Counsel; and Amina Taher, Vice President Corporate Affairs.
In the UK, Douglas also held senior positions with airport operator BAA, and as Chief Operating Officer and Group Chief Executive designate of Laing O’Rourke. His roles under airport operator BAA included Managing Director of the Heathrow Terminal 5 project, Group Supply Chain Director, Group Technical Director, and CEO of Heathrow Airport.
Previously, he held senior positions in the UAE, most notably as CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports Company and as CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Company where he was responsible for the successful delivery of Khalifa Port.