Luis Gallego, CEO of Spain’s Iberia Airlines, has been tapped to lead International Airlines Group (IAG) following the retirement of Willie Walsh later this year.
The move is viewed as positive by Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska, judging Galego to be a “continuity” candidate. There has been no indication of who will take over at Iberia
Roeska suggests that Gallego is cut from the same fabric as the outgoing leader of IAG, Walsh. He said, “The implementation of the holding company model has been a resounding success. The appointment of a company insider may signify continuity – which is to be welcomed.”
According to the IAG’s website, the “International Airlines Group (IAG) is one of the world's largest airline groups with 573 aircraft flying to 268 destinations and carrying around 113 million passengers each year. It is a Spanish registered company with shares traded on the London Stock Exchange and Spanish Stock Exchanges.” Its holdings include British Airways, Iberia (Spain) and Air Lingus (Ireland).