Tony Tyler succeeds Bisignani as IATA chief

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced leadership changes at the conclusion of the Association's 67th annual general meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit in Singapore.

Peter Hartman, president and CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines succeeds David Bronczek, CEO of FedEx Express, as chairman of the IATA Board of Governors following the completion of Bronczek's one-year term.

This appointment is effective immediately and is for one year, ending with the conclusion of IATA's 68th annual general meeting. 

Tony Tyler, former chief executive of Cathay Pacific, was confirmed to succeed Giovanni Bisignani as IATA's director general and CEO. Tyler's appointment is effective from 1 July 2011, at which point Bisignani will become director general emeritus.

 ''I thank the members of IATA for their confidence in electing me as IATA's next Director General and CEO. Leading IATA is a heavy responsibility. This is made all the more difficult because Giovanni has raised the bar high,'' said Tyler.

Tyler, who has worked with Cathay Pacific Airways since 1978, served as the airline's chief executive from 2007 until his retirement in March 2011. Concurrent with this function, Tyler also served on the IATA board of governors from 2007 to March 2011 and was its chairman from June 2009 to June 2010.