The Boeing Company board of directors today announced that it has elected Tim Buckley as its newest member, effective January 1, 2025.

Buckley will serve on the Finance and Governance & Public Policy committees.

Buckley, 55, previously served as Chair and CEO of The Vanguard Group, where he successfully led one of the largest investment management firms in the world, with nearly $10 trillion in assets under management.

Steve Mollenkopf, Boeing Board Chair said: “Tim is a renowned, trusted leader who brings the voice of the investor and a track record of business success to our Board.

“Tim’s familiarity with the broad investor community, expertise managing complex business operations and ability to positively lead through change will bring additional important perspective to our Board.”

During Buckley’s tenure as CEO, Vanguard’s assets under management grew 80 percent, driven by the firm’s focus on offering products and developing digital services that improve clients’ long-term success.

Prior to serving as Vanguard’s CEO, Buckley held multiple roles of increasing responsibility throughout his 33-year career at the firm, including as Chief Investment Officer and Chief Information Officer.

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Accelya, a global leader in software and technology solutions for the airline industry, today announced the appointment of Gaurav Roy as Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Roy succeeds Gianni Cataldo, who has transitioned to Chief Product Officer, with both reporting to Tim Reiz, Chief Product & Technology Officer.

In his new role, Roy will lead Accelya’s technology and AI initiatives, driving innovation within the FLX ONE Airline Retailing Platform and accelerating airlines’ digital transformation.

Based in the U.S., Gaurav Roy, who goes by “Roy” will focus on advancing Accelya’s open, modular platform, which empowers airlines to modernize and take control of their retailing strategies.

Roy brings a wealth of experience from top global enterprises, including HP, Vodafone, and Google, as well as high-growth startups.

His notable achievements include leading the development of HP’s Workforce Experience Platform, Samsung’s Tizen Smart TV platform, and the Android Security Platform, Samsung Knox.

With this blend of enterprise-scale innovation and startup agility, Roy is well-positioned to drive Accelya’s technology forward, ensuring the FLX ONE platform delivers reliable, secure, and scalable solutions that meet the complex demands of airlines worldwide.

In his role, Roy will focus on expanding FLX ONE’s capabilities to meet evolving airline needs, enhancing AI-driven functionalities to deliver optimized, data-driven customer experiences, and ensuring enterprise-grade performance with a robust and secure platform architecture.

Sam Gilliland, CEO of Accelya said: “We’re excited to welcome Roy to Accelya.

“As airlines increasingly adopt the Offer, Order, Settle, Deliver (OOSD) framework, Roy’s deep expertise in delivering enterprise-grade solutions will help us meet their evolving needs.

“His appointment underscores our commitment to transforming airline retailing at scale.”

Roy commented: “I’m honoured to join Accelya at such a pivotal time for the aviation industry.

“I’m passionate to advance Accelya’s modern, open, AI Driven FLX ONE platform to and working closely with our customers to help them achieve their strategic goals”.

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Icelandair announces the appointment of Guðmundur Tómas Sigurðsson for the role of VP Flight Operations.

Guðmundur Tómas is the successor of Haukur Reynisson who has held the position since 2018.

Haukur will continue working for the company as captain.

Since 2021, Guðmundur Tómas has served as NP Crew Training and Head of Training. He began his career with Icelandair as a pilot in 2005.

From 2010 to 2014, he flew for Cargolux before returning to Icelandair.

Between 2015 and 2021, he worked as subject matter expert in aircraft performance.

Additionally, he has been a longstanding member of the Training Department, serving as both a theoretical and simulator instructor/examiner.

Sylvia Kristin Olafsdottir, Icelandair chief operating officer said: “Guðmundur Tómas has diverse experience within Icelandair and knowledge of the company’s operations.

“His experience will undoubtedly be very useful in this extensive role. Guðmundur Tómas takes over the role from Haukur Reynisson, who has successfully led the team for six years.

“I want to extend my thanks to Haukur Reynisson for excellent work in recent years and I look forward to working together with both of them in new roles on the exciting projects we have ahead.”

Guðmundur Tómas Sigurðsson, Icelandair VP Flight Operations: “I am very excited to take on this new role within this great company and proud to be entrusted with the responsibilities it entails.

“There are very exciting times ahead in the aviation sector and I look forward to working on the many diverse and exciting projects related to, among others, fleet renewal, technological advancements and sustainability.”

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SmartLynx Airlines, a globally acknowledged ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance), cargo and charter operator, announces the appointment of Tomas Jan (Tomáš Ján) as the Director of Flight Operations (DFO).

In this role, Tomas will be responsible for maintaining the highest safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance standards at the airline.

Stepping into his new role, Tomas Jan shares: “I am genuinely happy to join SmartLynx and be part of the airline’s future story.

“I believe that working together closely will allow us to improve our procedures, increase communication, achieve our shared goals, and continually strengthen our operations to continue raising the bar for safety and efficiency in the airline.”

Jan Belina, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy CEO says: “I believe that Tomas’s background, dedication, and experience makes him a perfect fit for SmartLynx.

“His commitment to fostering open communication and effective internal cooperation will be crucial in helping us achieve our operational goals.

“This will ensure that SmartLynx remains and improves as a trustful partner for our clients and a rewarding working environment for pilots.”

Tomas Jan brings over 20 years of aviation experience, including 13 years as a Boeing 737 pilot. His career progression also includes roles as a Type Rating Instructor, Training Captain, and Deputy Director of Flight Operations at SmartWings.

By joining SmartLynx, Tomas will apply his extensive piloting expertise and administrative skills to manage flight crew personnel effectively, ensure seamless flight operations, and further develop the department.

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Southwest Airlines Co. today announced the appointment of Rakesh Gangwal as independent Chair of the Board of Directors and named new Board Committee Chairs, effective immediately:

• Lisa Atherton will serve as Chair of the Compensation Committee
• Douglas Brooks will serve as Chair of the Audit Committee
• David Hess will continue to serve as Chair of the Safety and Operations Committee
• Chris Reynolds will serve as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
• Gregg Saretsky will serve as Chair of the Finance Committee

Gangwal said, “We are embarking on the next era of change at Southwest as we build upon its many successes and storied past.

“Our critical priority as a newly constituted Board is to come together to work closely with Bob Jordan and the rest of the management team to return the carrier to superior financial performance.”

Bob Jordan, president, chief executive officer, & vice chairman of the board, said: “On behalf of the entire Company, I look forward to working with our new Board as we execute our plan and deliver for our Shareholders.

“I especially want to thank our People for their unwavering commitment to each other and to providing exceptional service to our Customers.

“Our People are at the Heart of Southwest’s Culture and what separates us from the competition.”

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Southwest Airlines Co. today announced the appointments of David Cush, Sarah Feinberg, Dave Grissen, Gregg Saretsky and Patricia Watson as independent directors of the Board in connection with Cooperation and Information Sharing Agreements reached with Elliott Investment Management L.P.

In addition, Pierre Breber, former CFO of Chevron, has also been appointed to the Board of Directors. These appointments are effective as of November 1, 2024.

Executive Chairman Gary Kelly will accelerate his retirement, which, along with the previously announced retirements of six other Southwest Directors, will go into effect on November 1, 2024.

Following his departure from the Board and related responsibilities, Kelly will assume the title of Chairman Emeritus.

The newly reconstituted Board will appoint a new independent Chairman.

The Board will be reduced to 13 members as of Southwest’s 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting.

As previously announced, the Board has refreshed its Finance Committee, which is responsible for assisting in the Board’s oversight of the Company’s operational and strategic plans.

Saretsky, Cush and three additional Directors to be appointed by the reconstituted Board will serve on the Finance Committee, with Saretsky serving as Chair.

Kelly said, “We are pleased to have reached a collaborative resolution with Elliott, continuing our Board refreshment with the addition of new directors who bring complementary skills and experience.

“I am confident this Board will continue to hold the leadership team accountable for executing its transformational plan and delivering financial performance.

It has been the honor of my lifetime to work with our People and serve our Customers in making Southwest the leader it is today. I believe Southwest’s best days lie ahead under the vision and leadership of Bob Jordan and the oversight of this reconstituted Board.”

Rakesh Gangwal, Southwest Airlines Director, said, “On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Gary for his countless contributions to Southwest throughout his career.

“He leaves an indelible mark on Southwest as a pioneer of the Company’s growth into the largest domestic carrier with an industry leading network, reputation, balance sheet and a bright future.

“I also want to thank David Biegler, Veronica Biggins, Senator Roy Blunt, Dr. William Cunningham, Dr. Thomas Gilligan and Jill Soltau for their service and meaningful contributions in the boardroom.

“Our critical priority as a newly constituted Board is to coalesce as a functional body for the benefit of Southwest Airlines and work closely with Bob Jordan to preserve the Company’s unique business model and Culture, while driving growth and returning the carrier to superior financial performance.”

Elliott Partner John Pike and Portfolio Manager Bobby Xu said, “We are pleased to have come to an agreement with Southwest on the addition of six new directors that will enhance and revitalize its Board.

“They are all highly qualified and will bring diverse skills and backgrounds to the task of overseeing Southwest under the leadership of a new Board Chairman.

“We believe the strategic changes Southwest has announced since we commenced our engagement, together with the new independent directors and governance improvements, will position the Company to enhance business performance, drive operational execution and evaluate additional changes to create long-term shareholder value.

“We are grateful to Southwest’s shareholders, labor groups, and leadership for their constructive engagement, and we look forward to a strengthened Southwest delivering on its full potential.”

As part of this process and to facilitate collaboration, Southwest has entered into a Cooperation Agreement under which Elliott has agreed to standstill, voting, confidentiality, and other provisions, and an Information Sharing Agreement to enable Southwest to share confidential information regarding upcoming Company announcements and other matters.

Elliott has informed the Company that it withdrew its request to call a Special Meeting of Shareholders and no longer intends to nominate candidates to stand for election to the Southwest Airlines Board.

The Cooperation Agreement will be filed on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Pierre Breber, the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chevron, brings significant financial expertise to the Board. Breber built a more than 30-year career at Chevron, starting as a financial analyst in 1989. During his tenure as CFO, Breber boosted investor confidence in energy and maintained Chevron’s sector-leading valuation and reputation by instilling capital discipline and championing a lower carbon strategy. Breber previously held several senior executive roles in finance and operations across Chevron’s global business units. Breber is a board member of PACCAR and is nominated as a new director for election with Clorox. Breber is a member of the Johnson Advisory Council at Cornell University and previously was chair of the Board of Directors of the United Way Bay Area and a Board member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Breber earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from UC Berkeley, and an MBA from Cornell University.

David Cush has over 30 years of aviation experience, most recently serving as CEO of Virgin America. Joining just after the airline’s inaugural flight, he led Virgin America through the turmoil of the financial crisis and a subsequent period of rapid growth. Cush led Virgin America to realize its first annual profit, oversaw its successful initial public offering and ultimately negotiated the airline’s acquisition by Alaska Airlines. Prior to joining Virgin America, Cush held a number of positions at American Airlines during his 20 years with the airlines, including Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Distribution, Vice President of International Planning and Alliances and various other roles in Finance and Operations. Cush earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcast/Film and an MBA, all from Southern Methodist University.

Sarah Feinberg, former Administrator at the Federal Railroad Administration, Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Interim President and CEO of the New York City Transit Authority, brings a wealth of experience as a transportation and safety regulator, which will help support Southwest’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the Company’s Employees and Customers. As Administrator at the Federal Railroad Administration, the sole safety regulator for the US passenger and freight rail system, Feinberg focused on enhancing the safety of the rail network after a series of accidents. During her tenure, Feinberg also aggressively enforced safety regulations and oversaw billions of dollars in investments to improve the safety of the rail system. As Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Feinberg oversaw and advised on a broad range of initiatives across the aviation and broader transportation sector. As President of New York City Transit, Feinberg led a 50k employee workforce and the largest transit system in North America. Feinberg earned a bachelor’s degree in American government and politics from Washington and Lee University.

Dave Grissen, former Group President of Marriott International, is a seasoned hospitality executive with extensive experience leading a global franchise and growing a storied brand. As Group President, Grissen led all functions for Marriott’s brands in the Americas and for the Ritz Carlton and EDITION brands globally, including strategy, revenue management, sales and marketing, operations, food and beverage, technology, development and human resources. Grissen managed hotels representing approximately two-thirds of Marriott’s fee revenue, a workforce of 160,000 people and a successful growth strategy that resulted in Marriott’s Americas organization nearly doubling from 2,928 hotels to 5,640 hotels plus 1,800 pipeline hotels under his leadership. Grissen also currently serves as the Chairman of Regis and is on the Board of Chatham Lodging Trust. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in finance from Loyola University in Chicago.

Gregg Saretsky, former CEO of WestJet, brings 40 years of aviation leadership experience and industry knowledge. At WestJet, Saretsky led the evolution of the airline from providing a one-dimensional product offering to having a modern commercial strategy, generating a total shareholder return of more than 100% during his eight-year tenure as CEO. Prior to WestJet, Saretsky served in a number of senior-level commercial and operational roles at Alaska Airlines, including Executive Vice President of Flight Operations & Marketing. Saretsky is also a current director of IndiGo and RECARO Aircraft Seating. He earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and immunology and an MBA from The University of British Columbia.

Patricia Watson has served as Chief Information and Technology Officer at NCR Atleos since October 2023. She is an experienced technology executive with a track record of developing modernization plans and overseeing IT transformations at large, complex financial services and transportation/logistics companies. Over the course of her career, she has also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer of NCR, Total Systems Services and The Brink’s Company, the President of Cloud Collaboration at Intrado and in various senior technology roles at Bank of America. Watson is a Director at Rockwell Automation, and previously served on the Boards of USAA Federal Savings Bank and Texas Capital Bancshares. Prior to her corporate career, Watson spent ten years in the United States Air Force as executive staff officer, flight commander, and director of operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Indiana, and an MBA from the University of Dayton, and is the spouse of a captain who has flown for Southwest for 24 years.

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SITA has appointed Nathalie Altwegg as senior vice president of the company’s airports business unit.

Altwegg will spearhead SITA’s further growth in the airports market, building on the company’s presence in more than 1,000 airports globally, as well as its drive to reinvent and digitalise operations and journeys across the world through cutting edge technology and innovation.

The newly-appointed SVP comes to her new role after serving as chief operating officer for SITA Europe for two years, bringing extensive management experience in strategy, commercial, people and portfolio, the company said.

With more than two decades of experience in the air transport industry, Altwegg has gained a deep understanding of the airports business, along with expertise in the areas of M&A, IT outsourcing and business development of all sizes, including large and complex business opportunities, SITA added. 

Altwegg said: “We’re world leaders in the airport market, focusing on the future of our thousands of airport, airline and ground handler customers across the world.

“We’re bringing great changes as we reinvent journeys and processes to deliver the ultimate travel experience with the most advanced, efficient and sustainable technologies.

“Our airports business is a jewel in the industry and I can’t wait to steer it into the future.”

CEO David Lavorel added: “It’s wonderful to be welcoming Nathalie to the executive team as a hugely experienced SITA expert with great insights into how to take our airports business forward.

“Her knowledge and leadership will be of great value to our airport customers of all sizes right across the world.”

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Globally recognised experts in aircraft painting and exterior coatings, MAAS Aviation, has named experienced business professional, Danny Hakker, as Chief Executive Officer.

Hakker joined MAAS in 2023 in the role of chief financial officer, quickly establishing himself as an important business partner contributing to the Company’s solid financial performance.

An energetic senior leader, he benefits from 20+ years of international experience in the transport & distribution, media & telecoms, and service industries.

Andrew Hoad, chairman at MAAS, comments: “Danny’s vision and expertise strengthens the senior management team, enhancing the Group’s commercial focus, driving change and providing strategic direction.

“He is a great fit for MAAS and I am confident that the business will continue to thrive and evolve under his leadership.”

Supported by a strong and knowledgeable Executive Leadership Team, who collectively have over 60 years’ of experience working at MAAS, Hakker brings a fresh perspective and approach to the Company’s strategic direction.

He adds, “I am enthusiastic to embark on the next stage of my journey with MAAS and look forward to meeting our customers as well as supporting the excellent people across our business.

“We collectively strive to deliver superior quality and enhanced value to our customers.”

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Vallair, the MRO and mature aircraft asset specialist, has appointed experienced industry figurehead, Pascal Parant, to the role of Group Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer.

Parant joins at a significant time in Vallair’s evolution as the Group expands its reach in aerospace and mobility.

Grégoire Lebigot, president of Vallair Group, comments: “It is a great privilege to welcome Pascal to the Vallair Group, he brings a depth of experience and industry knowledge that will not only help to guide and inspire our team, but also shrewd commercial insights as we embark upon an ambitious journey of expansion and innovation.”

Prior to joining Vallair Group, Parant served as Vice President Corporate Marketing at AAR Corp, a company he joined in 1999 and where he held several positions across MRO, parts trading, aircraft and engines sales & leasing.

This industry focus has enabled Parent to establish long-term relationships with airlines, lessors, MROs and OEMs.

An industry stalwart, Parant is currently Executive Vice President of USAIRE, the aviation business club which comprises an association of European and American member companies focused on aerospace and advanced technologies.

This appointment followed his five-year term as President, a position he assumed in 2014.

Parent was also a board member of Air Meditérranée, a French charter airline from 1997 to 2016.

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dnata has announced the promotion of Hiranjan Aloysius to the position of dnata Catering & Retail’s regional CEO for the Asia-Pacific region, effective immediately.

Previously the company’s CEO for Australia, Aloysius will now lead dnata Catering & Retail’s business and operations across the broader region.

His remit will cover 11 airports in Australia and Singapore, with further expansion planned.

Aloysius will manage a team of 4,500 culinary professionals who prepare and uplift over 70 million quality meals, ensuring an excellent onboard dining experience on more than 250,000 flights annually, dnata said.

Aloysius will continue to be based in Brisbane in Australia, and report to Robin Padgett, CEO of dnata Catering & Retail.

Since joining dnata in 2005, Aloysius has been instrumental in expanding the company’s catering and retail footprint in Australia, dnata said.

His notable achievements include the opening of four advanced catering facilities, the smooth integration of Qantas’s catering businesses and the successful launch of new business channels.

Padgett said: “Hiranjan’s promotion to regional CEO is very well-deserved. Over the past two decades, he has consistently delivered exceptional results, establishing dnata Catering & Retail as Australia’s leading inflight caterer.

“His efforts in driving business growth and enhancing customer experience have been crucial to our success. I wish Hiranjan every success in this new role.”

dnata Catering & Retail’s 11,700 catering professionals produce more than 123 million meals annually, serving full service, low-cost and VIP carriers from more than 60 locations.

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