Lynne Embleton replaces Drew Crawley as IAG Cargo chief

IAG has appointed Lynne Embleton as the new chief executive of its cargo division with immediate effect, as incumbent Drew Crawley leaves the role after just over a year.
IAG said it had appointed Embleton – current British Airways managing director at Gatwick – as Crawley will move on to the role of chief executive of Avios, the airline group’s loyalty programme.
Crawley was made cargo’s chief executive in January 2016, succeeding Steve Gunning who left to become British Airways’ chief financial officer.
In response to Air Cargo News questions regarding the nature of Crawley’s departure, an IAG Cargo spokesperson said: "Drew has run IAG Cargo for 15 months during the toughest market conditions in recent years.
"He enjoyed the role very much and was happy to remain in charge but circumstances within the Group changed and he has been asked to run Avios after the current incumbent was offered a role outside IAG.

"Lynne will take over with immediate effect and has over 25 years of experience across the Group, having previously sat on the IAG Cargo board as a non-executive director for over four years, which provides her with an excellent understanding of the challenges that face the cargo industry."
Embleton’s experience within the group includes heading up strategy at British Airways, before moving on to become British Airways managing director at Gatwick.
She also has some cargo experience, having previously sat on the IAG Cargo board as a non-executive director for over four years.
Embleton reports directly into IAG chief executive Willie Walsh.
Walsh said: "Lynne’s extensive experience across Group strategy as well as on the IAG Cargo board will be invaluable in the continued growth of our cargo business.
"She succeeds Drew following his appointment as Chief Executive of Avios. With Drew’s significant experience across the loyalty sector, he has the skill and drive to develop our Group-wide loyalty programme even further."
Embleton will also join the IAG management committee and Crawley will remain a member.
The last year has seen a spate of high-ranking cargo executives leave their roles. Since March 2016, Robert van de Weg and Denis Ilin have both left AirBridgeCargo, Dirk Reich has stepped down from Cargolux and Bram Gräber left as boss of Air France KLM Cargo.