Jet Airways appoints Gary Toomey as new CEO

Change in leadership was necessitated with Etihad Airways picking 24% stake in the company

Jet Airways has appointed Gary Kenneth Toomey as its new chief executive officer (CEO). The change in leadership was necessitated by Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways picking up a 24 per cent stake in Jet Airways.

Toomey, an Australian national, was associated as a “consultant”' with Etihad before taking up the top management post in Jet Airways. He replaces Nikos Kardassis, who left after serving two terms as CEO between 1993 and 1999, and again from October 2009 till May 2013.

Toomey has previously served as president and CEO of the Air New Zealand Group and as CEO of Airlines PNG in Papua New Guinea, during their periods of major expansion. He also held the post of CEO of Ansett Australia Airlines which was acquired by Air New Zealand, but shut operations in 2002.

Commenting on the appointment, Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal said: “We need a dynamic executive with deep knowledge of and experience in the airline industry to lead the next phase of our development. Mr. Toomey has extensive experience in domestic and international airline management, and the right credentials and skills to take Jet Airways forward.”

Toomey said the Indian aviation market is one of the fastest-growing, offering significant potential for Jet Airways not only within India, but beyond, through new and improved international connections. “I am delighted to have been selected to lead the company and continue the development and growth of Jet Airways,” he said.

Capt. Hameed Ali will continue as the acting CEO of  Jet Airways, pending regulatory approval of  Toomey’s appointment.