Walsh is set to retire as Chief Executive and from the Board of IAG on June 30 this year. He will step down from the role on March 26 before his retirement in June.
Walsh’s 15-year career at IAG began in 2005 when he became the British Airways boss. IAG's Chairman, Antonio Vázquez, described Walsh as one of the main proponents in the creation of IAG, when British Airways and Iberia were merged. “Under Willie’s leadership IAG has become one of the leading global airline groups," Vázquez said. "Willie has been the main driver of this unique idea that is IAG. I hugely admire his commitment, strong leadership and clear vision, always ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead of him. I am deeply respectful of what he has achieved as CEO of this Group, of his sense of fairness, his transparency and his capacity to integrate people regardless of nationalities or backgrounds."
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."
Walsh’s career in aviation started much earlier, when he joined Aer Lingus as a cadet pilot in the late 1970s.
The role of IAG Chief Executive will be filled by current Iberia CEO Luis Gallego. Gallego has held the position since 2014. He commented: "It is a huge honour to lead this great company. It is an exciting time at IAG and I am confident that we can build on the strong foundations created by Willie."
