Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, announced Monday five senior appointments in operations, marketing and guest relations. The new restructuring is part of the progressive business realignment at the Etihad Aviation Group that was announced last month. This marks the transition of the airline from a single entity to a wider global aviation group. It defines the functions of personnel at Etihad Airways as well as its subsidiaries, joint venture companies and equity partners. The new appointees are Rick Allen, Chris Youlten, Andrew Ward, Fiona Morrisson and Calum Laming. Rick Allen joins Etihad Airways from Air Canada to become Senior Vice President for Operations. He will be responsible for flight operations, guest services, crew resources, operations logistics, and operations standards. An airline operations executive with over 30 years' experience, Allen is a fully-qualified pilot with more than 17,000 hours of total flying time and holds a current licence for the Boeing 777 aircraft. He also possesses extensive business and managerial experience. As the Managing Director Flight Operations with Air Canada, he oversaw all flight operations and related activities. James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of Etihad Airways, said: “I am delighted to announce these important appointments as we transition Etihad Airways into the Etihad Aviation Group. “The operations role is critical to the operation of the airline and I am very pleased we have been able to appoint an internationally experienced operations executive in Rick Allen.” Chris Youlten has been appointed to the newly created position of Senior Vice President Airport and Network Operations, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer. He was formerly Vice President for Network Operations at Etihad Airways. Andrew Ward will be acting in the new position of Senior Vice President Marketing, following his role as Vice President Marketing, reporting to the Chief Operating Officer when appointed. Until then he will report to the Chief Commercial Officer, Fiona Morrisson has been appointed Vice President, Guest Experience Midfield Terminal, having previously served as Etihad Airways Vice President, Guest Experience. In this new position, Morrison will design and support delivery of the guest experience for the Midfield Terminal. This will be Etihad Airways' new hub airport from July 2017 and the role has been established now to ensure appropriate planning and preparation. – SGCalum Laming has been appointed Vice President Guest Experience. He returns to Etihad Airways having held the executive position of General Manager Customer Experience in Air New Zealand since March 2013, reporting directly to the Chief Marketing and Customer Officer. Laming was previously Head of Guest Experience at Etihad Airways. — SG
