On Sunday, November 8th, Etihad Airways announced they would be introducing a major change to their senior leadership team, pursuing the aim to re-position themselves as a mid-sized carrier with leaner and flatter processes in place. The accrued losses associated with the wake of COVID-19 have served as the basis for the new operational structure’s implementation.

Tony Douglas, Group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group, explained: “The first stage of this is an operational model change that will see us restructure our senior leadership team and our organization to allow us to continue delivering on our mandate, ensuring long-term sustainability, and contributing to the growth and prominence of Abu Dhabi.”

Four executives in total are departing from Etihad Airiles. After being with the company for just two years, Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, is leaving the company. The business units within Commercial will be separated and transferred under the leadership of Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer, and Terry Daly, accountable for Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand & Marketing.

Duncan Bureau, Senior Vice President Sales & Distribution, is also ending his career at Etihad. Martin Drew, who is currently a Managing Director for Cargo & Logistics, will also take over Duncan’s responsibilities.

The third person to leave is Mutaz Saleh, Chief Risk, and Compliance Officer. Henning Zur Hausen, General Counsel, will get the Ethics & Compliance part of his job. At the same time, Risk and Performance reporting will move under Adam Boukadida, forming part of a new Corporate Strategy team.

Finally, Chief Transformation Officer Akram Alami’s departure will result in moving the transformation office and the procurement and supply chain department under the leadership of Boukadida.