Tony Douglas
Etihad Airways has named Tony Douglas as CEO of the Abu
Dhabi-based airline, effective in January.
Douglas replaces James Hogan, who left the company on July 1
after Etihad announced last January that Hogan would do so. Ray Gammell has
been Etihad's interim CEO.
Douglas joins Etihad from the U.K.'s Ministry of Defense,
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.
Previously in the U.K., he held senior positions with
Heathrow Airport operator BAA, including managing director of the Heathrow
Terminal 5 project.
Douglas also has experience working in the United Arab
Emirates, notably as CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports Company and CEO of Abu Dhabi
Ports Company.
Etihad Aviation Group chairman Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei
said, "We are delighted to have Tony return to Abu Dhabi to lead Etihad.
He has guided the transformation of large organizations in the UAE and the
U.K., 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 joins Etihad during a difficult time for the
airline. Etihad lost $1.9 billion last year, as growth slowed and its
investments in European carriers Air Berlin and Alitalia went sour.
Gammell will return to his role as chief people and
performance officer.