A brand new CEO has simply been appointed to guide Airbus Americas, and it’s… a puzzling selection?
Robin Hayes appointed Airbus Americas CEO
Airbus has introduced that as of June 3, 2024, Jeffrey Knittel is retiring as CEO of Airbus Americas, and might be changed by Robin Hayes, the previous CEO of JetBlue. Hayes has been within the trade for 35 years, most lately having spent 19 years at JetBlue, the place he served as CEO for 9 years.
In his new position, Hayes will lead the industrial plane enterprise at Airbus Americas, and may have the accountability for coordination among the many firm’s helicopters, house, and protection companies in North America. Airbus has over 10,000 staff within the area, throughout 50 websites.
Right here’s what Hayes needed to say about his new place at Airbus:
“After a while off, I’m excited and energised to hitch Airbus and construct on the unimaginable success within the area. I’ve identified Jeff and the Airbus staff for nicely over a decade and I imagine they’ve accomplished a terrific job main Airbus within the Americas. It’s an honour for me to take up this chance to be a part of the Airbus staff. Airbus’ dedication to security and decarbonisation is extremely essential to me personally, and I’m each motivated by and dedicated to contributing to the Airbus function to pioneer sustainable aerospace.”
Right here’s what Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury needed to say about Hayes’ appointment:
“I’m delighted to welcome Robin to Airbus. Along with the management staff we’re trying ahead to having Robin and his huge trade expertise onboard to additional ship on our strategic targets for the area throughout all of the Airbus companies and additional develop our North American footprint. I need to thank Jeff for his many contributions to Airbus’ success through the years, and I want him all the most effective for a nicely deserved retirement.”
Am I the one one who’s confused?
As talked about above, Hayes spent 9 years as CEO of JetBlue, and at last “retired” in February 2024. On the time, it was defined that this choice was made at “the recommendation of [his] physician,” as “the extraordinary challenges and stress of this job have taken their toll.”
Now, simply a number of weeks later, he’s going to be main Airbus Americas? Nothing in opposition to Hayes, I’m only a bit puzzled by this appointment. Hayes’ background is within the airline trade relatively than on the plane manufacturing facet. That wouldn’t be a deal breaker if he had been identified for being an incredible chief or had a observe file of success, however his tenure at JetBlue wasn’t precisely spectacular by most measures.
He lead JetBlue because the service’s monetary scenario continued to deteriorate, he was behind the Spirit takeover that failed, and admittedly he was answerable for the airline because it continued to supply prospects extra, whereas not with the ability to set up a income premium.
So I’m simply curious what Airbus was on the lookout for in selecting a brand new CEO for Airbus Americas, and the way the corporate ended up with Hayes? To Hayes’ credit score, there are a few optimistic issues that Airbus could have favored:
- JetBlue is a giant Airbus buyer and believer within the product, so I suppose it’s good to have an advocate for the model
- Whereas he could not have accomplished an excellent job working his personal airline, from 2020 to 2022, Hayes was the Chair of the IATA Board of Governors, and he has good relations with others within the trade
Backside line
Former JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes might be becoming a member of Airbus, as CEO of the corporate’s Americas division. Simply a few months in the past, Hayes left JetBlue, citing well being considerations, and now he’s taking over a giant new position. In equity, I’ve to think about that being an government at Airbus is a bit much less disturbing than being an government at JetBlue.
What do you make of Hayes becoming a member of Airbus?
