Etihad Airways Restructures With New Senior Appointments

Source: Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, recently made five senior appointments in operations, marketing and guest experience, as part of the progressive realignment of the business to the Etihad Aviation Group structure announced last month.

According to an announcement, the new structure marks the transition from a single entity airline to a wider global aviation group. It 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.

Rick Allen joins Etihad Airways from Air Canada to become Senior Vice President Operations, and will be responsible for flight operations, guest services, crew resources, operations logistics, and operations standards. Mr. Allen will assume responsibility as Flight Operations post holder this summer.

An airline operations executive with over 30 years’ experience, Allen is a fully-qualified pilot with more than 17,000 hours of total flying time and holds a current licence for the Boeing 777 aircraft. He also possesses extensive business and managerial experience. As the Managing Director Flight Operations with Air Canada, he oversaw all flight operations and related activities.

Chris Youlten has been appointed to the newly created position of Senior Vice President Airport and Network Operations, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. He was formerly Vice President Network Operations, at Etihad Airways.

Andrew Ward will be acting in the new position of Senior Vice President Marketing, following his role as Vice President Marketing, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer when appointed. Until then he will report to the Chief Commercial Officer.

Fiona Morrisson has been appointed Vice President, Guest Experience Midfield Terminal, having previously served as Etihad Airways Vice President, Guest Experience. In this new position, Ms. Morrison will design and support delivery of the guest experience for the Midfield Terminal. This will be Etihad Airways’ new hub airport from July 2017 and the role has been established now to ensure appropriate planning and preparation.

Calum Laming has been appointed Vice President Guest Experience. He returns to Etihad Airways having held the executive position of General Manager Customer Experience in Air New Zealand since March 2013, reporting directly to the Chief Marketing and Customer Officer. Mr. Laming was previously Head of Guest Experience at Etihad Airways.