Airbus announces senior leadership changes

Airbus SE has appointed Antoine Bouvier, 59, Head of Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions and Public Affairs, effective 1 June 2019. In this position, he will report to Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Airbus.

At MBDA, Antoine Bouvier will be succeeded as CEO by Eric Béranger, 56, who has held a number of leadership positions in Airbus Defence and Space. His appointment will also become effective 1 June 2019. MBDA, a joint venture between Airbus (37.5%), BAE Systems PLC (37.5%) and Leonardo S.p.A. (25%), is Europe’s leading missile systems house.

Furthermore, Patrick de Castelbajac, 47, is appointed Head of Region Asia-Pacific for Airbus, effective 1 June 2019. In this capacity, he succeeds Jean-Marc Nasr who was recently appointed Executive Vice President Space Systems within Airbus Defence and Space. Patrick de Castelbajac is also named Head of Sales Asia-Pacific for the Company’s commercial aircraft business as of 1 July 2019. Patrick de Castelbajac will report to Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Member of the Executive Committee at Airbus.

“Today’s senior leadership announcements are further important elements to shape the Company’s next chapter,” said Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus. “Antoine Bouvier has demonstrated his leadership at the helm of MBDA since 2007, firmly establishing it as Europe’s premier missile company. Antoine brings a rich experience in the Aerospace and Defence sector as well as a strategic vision in an international environment.”

“With Eric Béranger we have a renowned industry leader joining the MBDA Board of Directors to succeed Antoine. Eric is taking over as CEO of MBDA and I wish him all the success for this new professional challenge”, said Faury.

He added: “Patrick de Castelbajac will now be responsible for one of Airbus’ most strategic growth regions with Asia-Pacific. Patrick has demonstrated, at Airbus and at ATR, his strong business knowledge and proximity to our stakeholders – all assets which are needed to successfully advance our business in this dynamic part of the world.”