IndiGo Names Willie Walsh As Next CEO

IndiGo has stunned the aviation industry with the news that IATA Director General Willie Walsh will take over as the Indian carrier’s CEO.

Walsh is due to step down from the IATA role on July 31. The Irish executive is expected to take over as IndiGo CEO no later than Aug. 3, the carrier said March 31. IndiGo noted the move is subject to regulatory approvals.

While it is rare for an IATA director general to return to an airline executive role, the move should be considered a major coup for IndiGo. Walsh is highly regarded in the industry both for his work as head of the global airline association and his previous roles leading major airlines.

IndiGo’s former CEO Pieter Elbers resigned from the carrier on March 10. This followed regulatory and political fallout from the carrier’s network meltdown in early December. IndiGo Managing Director Rahul Bhatia assumed interim control of the carrier until a new CEO could take on the role.

Walsh was confirmed as head of IATA in November 2020. Before that he was CEO of IAG from 2011-2020, CEO of British Airways from 2005 to 2011 and COO and CEO of Aer Lingus from 2000 to 2005.

IndiGo Chairman Vikram Singh Mehta described Walsh as “an exceptional global aviation leader with a stellar track record of outstanding leadership across several airlines.”

Walsh’s “experience in managing large scale airline operations and navigating complex market dynamics make him ideally suited to strengthen and lead IndiGo for continued growth in an ever evolving and competitive international aviation environment,” Mehta said.

Bhatia said Walsh is “an iconic and accomplished aviation leader and brings a rare combination of global perspective, operational expertise of having built strong customer-focused airlines, deep industry experience and a values driven leadership.”

Walsh noted that IndiGo “has a strong foundation, a compelling vision and an exceptional reputation.” He said he is looking forward to “partnering with colleagues across the organization to build a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration and sustainable value for all stakeholders.”