World News – GB – Alex Cruz steps down as British Airways chief executive in major reshuffle

British Airways chief executive and chairman Alex Cruz resigns to be replaced by Aer Lingus boss Sean Doyle

Cruz will step down from his high-level post – one of the most prominent positions in British affairs – with immediate effect and become non-executive chairman

The decision was made by Luis Gallego, the new CEO of BA and Aer Lingus parent company, IAG, in his first major announcement since taking over from Willie Walsh

Investors will remember Cruz as a tough operator who helped make British Airways a more profitable airline before the Covid 19 crisis, but critics and staff will remember him for his working relationship difficult, staff layoffs and the notorious IT failure in 2017 which left 75,000 passengers stranded

Gallego said: « I want to thank Alex for all he has done at British Airways He has worked tirelessly to modernize the airline in the years leading up to its 100th anniversary celebration Since then he has driven the airline through a particularly demanding time and has entered into restructuring agreements with the vast majority of employees. »

He added: “Sean Doyle has extensive experience at British Airways, having worked there for 20 years before joining Aer Lingus almost two years ago where he did a great job I have no doubts that this will continue at British Airways « 

Spaniard Alex Cruz, 54, started his career with American Airlines in London before joining British Airways in 1998 Willie Walsh appointed him CEO of BA in 2016, after which he launched a ruthless reduction campaign costs, shutting down and outsourcing the airline’s IT systems and bringing efficiency gains at all levels that have led to run-ins with unions

In 2019, pilots came out in a wage dispute in a long-standing battle with the Balpa union

Then when Covid 19 hit, it launched plans to lay off up to 12,000 employees and put many older employees on lower paid and more flexible contracts

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International Airlines Group, British Airways, Aer Lingus, CEO, Álex Cruz, Luis Gallego