IAG chief executive Willie Walsh to retire

International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of IAG Cargo, has announced the upcoming retirement of its chief executive Willie Walsh.

Walsh will stand down from his role and from the IAG board on March 26 and will be succeeded by Luis Gallego, who is currently chief executive of Iberia.

IAG, which was established in 2011, also owns airlines including Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, Level Europe and Vueling, as well as passenger loyalty company Avios Group.

Antonio Vázquez, IAG chairman, explained: “Walsh has led the merger and successful integration of British Airways and Iberia to form IAG. Under Walsh’s leadership IAG has become one of the leading global airline groups.”

• British Airways suspends dog travel via the cargo hold amid investigation

• VIDEO: IAG Cargo tests drone tech in Madrid warehouse

• IAG Cargo offers new tracking service using IoT technology

Walsh commented: “It has been a privilege to have been instrumental in the creation and development of IAG. I have had the pleasure of working with many exceptional people over the past 15 years at British Airways and at IAG.

“Gallego has been a core member of the team and has shown true leadership over the years and I have no doubt he will be a great CEO of IAG.”

Gallego added: “It is an exciting time at IAG and I am confident that we can build on the strong foundations created by Walsh.”