Etihad Aviation Group announced a new organisational structure and operating model last month to deliver on its mandate as it embarks on the next phase of its transformation. The reorganisation is the next step in ensuring the group is fit for purpose to prosper as a people-focused business driven by innovation, safety and sustainability, supporting Abu Dhabi’s vision for the future.
Under the new structure, the group will be reorganised into seven business divisions – Operations, Commercial, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO), Human Resources, Finance, Support Services and Transformation, led by a new executive leadership team reporting to group chief executive officer (Group CEO), Tony Douglas, who also assumes responsibility for Etihad Airways. Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As we approach our 15th anniversary, the reorganisation and restructure of the group and leadership team will help us lay the foundations for Etihad to optimise its value as a world-leading group, streamline operations, and capitalise on opportunities, allowing the business to focus on improving its core operating performance. “We recorded an improvement in our operating results for 2017 and are confident that we are back on track this year, strengthening our position group-wide after a period of consolidation, bolstering our presence in key global markets, and continuing to support Abu Dhabi's growth in the aviation, trade and tourism sectors.” Peter Baumgartner will now serve as the senior strategic advisor to Douglas as part of the executive leadership team. Having led Etihad Airways as CEO since 2016, Baumgartner will advise at group level on global partnerships and innovation. Mohammad Al Bulooki, Etihad Airways executive vice-president commercial, has been promoted to chief operating officer, and will be responsible for core areas including network operations, flight and technical operations, fleet engineering, aviation security and safety, as well the Etihad Airport Services entity which manages ground and cargo handling, and catering. He is also responsible for the airline’s pilot and cabin crew community. Robin Kamark has been appointed chief commercial officer. Kamark, who joined Etihad Aviation Group in April 2017, will spearhead the overall commercial strategy of the airline, including cargo, sales and marketing, revenue management, customer service, network planning, and alliances. He is also charged with leading Etihad Airways’ destination management arm, Hala. Ray Gammell will assume responsibility for airline equity partners. Ibrahim Nassir has been appointed chief human resources & organisational development officer, and is responsible for a wide range of support functions including, among others, learning, organisational development, medical services, talent acquisition, rewards, people services, and immigration. Nassir will also lead the group’s Emiratisation programme. The new group organisational structure also sees Abdul Khaliq Saeed become chief engineering officer (MRO); Mark Powers, chief financial officer; Mana Al Mulla, chief support services officer; and Akram Alami, chief transformation officer. General counsel and company secretary, Henning zur Hausen; senior vice president government & international affairs, Ahmed Al Qubaisi; and vice-president corporate affairs, Amina Taher, continue in their respective positions, also reporting to the Group CEO.