European aviation giant Airbus has announced significant changes to its Board of Directors, effective October 1. René Obermann stepped down from the board to concentrate on his new role as Non-Executive Director and incoming chairman of the Supervisory Board at SAP. Obermann had been a member of the Airbus Board of Directors for eight years, serving as Chair for most of that period. His departure marks a significant change in leadership for the company.
To replace Obermann as Non-Executive Director for the remainder of his term, the Board of Directors has co-opted Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML. Fouquet will subsequently seek a full three-year mandate at the next Annual General Meeting (AGM) in April 2027. Additionally, Jean-Pierre Clamadieu has informed the Board that he will not seek a new mandate at the 2027 AGM upon the expiration of his current term. Clamadieu will be succeeded by Florent Menegaux, CEO of Michelin, who will seek a three-year mandate as a Non-Executive Director at the 2027 AGM.
The Board of Directors has also announced that Amparo Moraleda, who assumed her role as Chair of the Airbus Board of Directors on October 1, and Oliver Zipse, former Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, whose terms expire at the next AGM, will both seek renewed mandates from shareholders at the 2027 AGM. Furthermore, Mark Dunkerley has been designated to serve as Chair of the Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee and Lead Independent Director, succeeding Amparo Moraleda in this capacity.
Amparo Moraleda, Chair of the Airbus Board of Directors, expressed her gratitude to René Obermann for his exemplary leadership and dedication to the company. Moraleda looks forward to working closely with her fellow Directors to ensure Airbus remains agile, resilient, and well-positioned to seize future opportunities and navigate challenges. She will work with the board to drive long-term value creation and growth for the company.
Airbus CEO, Guillaume Faury, also thanked René Obermann for his commitment, trusted partnership, and focus on long-term value creation throughout his tenure as Chair. Faury acknowledged Obermann's guidance through many crises, including the COVID pandemic, and welcomed the new appointments to the board. The changes are expected to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the company.
The appointments are part of Airbus' efforts to refresh its leadership and ensure the company remains competitive in the rapidly evolving aviation industry. The company's board of directors is comprised of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. The changes will take effect at the 2027 AGM, subject to shareholder approval.
The nominations to the Airbus Board of Directors reflect the company's commitment to strong governance and leadership. The new appointments bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the board, and are expected to contribute to the company's continued success.
Key points
- * René Obermann stepped down from the Airbus Board of Directors on October 1 to concentrate on his new role at SAP. * Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML, and Florent Menegaux, CEO of Michelin, have been appointed as Non-Executive Directors. * Amparo Moraleda and Oliver Zipse will seek renewed mandates from shareholders at the 2027 AGM.
