Airbus Mulls Separate Leader for Planemaking Arm in Management Shake-up
Airbus is contemplating a significant management shake-up that aims to establish a separate leader for its planemaking business, allowing CEO Guillaume Faury to focus on broader strategic priorities, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Currently, Faury holds dual roles as the head of the world’s largest jetmaker and the CEO of the wider aerospace and defence group. The existing structure sees the planemaking business technically owning two smaller divisions, Helicopters and Defence & Space, following an internal merger.
However, recent challenges, including supply chain disruptions, have prompted a reevaluation of the company’s organizational structure. Airbus is now considering a possible reorganization to strengthen industrial control and allow Faury to concentrate on other strategic initiatives, particularly in the defence sector.
The specific details and approval of the new role are yet to be determined, making it a decision subject to board approval and careful consideration. Airbus spokesperson emphasized that the company refrains from commenting on speculations about organizational or personnel changes.
The potential management restructure comes amidst historical sensitivities within Airbus due to internal disputes and industrial relations complexities between founding nations – France, Germany, and Spain – which still retain ownership stakes.
Airbus, however, asserts that it has moved away from political influence after an agreement was made a decade ago to limit government interference.
The prospect of a separate planemaking leader has drawn comparisons to the past era when Fabrice Bregier, the former planemaking chief, left Airbus in 2018 after a power struggle with then-CEO Tom Enders.
While Airbus seeks to avoid repeating past organizational issues, striking a balance between providing clear authority to a new planemaking boss and Faury’s hands-on management style poses a challenge.
One potential candidate for the role is Bruno Even, the CEO of Airbus Helicopters, and a loyalist to Faury. However, it remains uncertain whether Even is open to making such a move.
Establishing a visible leader for the planemaking division would bring Airbus more in line with rival Boeing, where each division has its own leader.
Although combining leadership of the group with its dominant civil arm made sense when Faury became CEO in 2019, the post-pandemic and geopolitical landscape has led to a reevaluation of the strategic environment.
While Airbus has enjoyed relative peace after resolving years of internal strife, the departure of several senior operational leaders outside Faury’s immediate circle has created a shortage of experienced civil jetmaking leaders within the company.
Despite an improvement in jet deliveries in recent months, Airbus remains focused on ambitious output targets and is carefully considering the scope and implications of any new leadership role within the organization. The balance within Airbus’ executive committee, particularly with the awaited appointment of a new German finance chief, will also be a key consideration in the decision-making process.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, airbus.com, reuters.com