Javier Sánchez-Prieto Takes Over as Iberia CEO

International Airlines Group has announced that Javier Sánchez-Prieto has been appointed chairman and chief executive of Iberia. Sánchez-Prieto currently leads Vueling.

The move follows the decision by Willie Walsh to step down as chief executive of International Airlines Group and the subsequent promotion of outgoing Iberia chief Luis Gallego to lead the body.

Marco Sansavini, currently Iberia chief commercial officer, has been appointed chairman and chief executive of Vueling. The moves are expected to be completed at the end of March.

He was previously strategic planning and finance director at Iberia between 2013-16 where he was instrumental in achieving the airline’s financial turnaround.

He was Iberia Express’ chief financial officer when it was formed in 2012 before which he spent several years working at the Uralita Group and at Air Nostrum.

Previously, he worked in senior commercial and strategic roles in Alitalia and Air France-KLM.