The Board of Directors of Airbus has decided on a series of executive changes presented as paving the way for an orderly leadership succession. Coupled with the imminent departure of sales veteran John Leahy and the abrupt exit of Marwan Lahoud earlier this year, the reshuffle represents a real changing of the guard at the head of the European group.

Tom Enders (59) has advised the Board that he does not wish to seek another term as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) beyond his current mandate which runs until the 2019 Annual Shareholders Meeting (April 2019).

Fabrice Brégier (56), Airbus Chief Operating Officer (COO) & President Airbus Commercial Aircraft, has indicated to the Board that, as he does not intend to be part of the selection process for the CEO position in 2019, he will step down in February 2018 and pursue other interests.

Brégier has spent 25 years at the company, including five years as MBDA CEO, four years as CEO of Eurocopter and eleven years as COO, CEO or President of Airbus commercial aircraft.

Guillaume Faury (49), currently CEO of Airbus Helicopters, will take over from Brégier in his role as President Airbus Commercial Aircraft. Faury's successor at Airbus Helicopters will be announced in the coming weeks, Enders said.

During 2018, the Board of Directors will assess both internal and external executives for the CEO role with a view to announcing Tom Enders’ successor in time for confirmation at the 2019 AGM.