Aer Lingus Group plc Executive Chairman, Bernie Cahill, today announced the appointment of Garry Cullen as Group Chief Executive. The appointment will be effective from 1 October 1998.

Garry Cullen is currently Chief Operating Officer with Aer Lingus. In a career spanning over 30 years with the airline he has held a number of senior positions including Director Operations from 1994 to 1996 and General Manager - Cargo from June 1993 to April 1994. He was Project Manager for the establishment of Aer Lingus Commuter, which operates services to the UK regions and Irish domestic routes, in 1983. Garry Cullen worked on secondment as Commercial Manager with LIAT airlines in Antigua, West Indies, from 1984 to 1987.

Over recent years Garry Cullen has played a central role in the development and implementation of the ’ Cahill Plan ‘, the successful restructuring plan which has returned Aer Lingus to profitability. He has also worked closely with the trades unions and staff representatives in the development of the ’ Framework ’ partnership approach which is committed to delivering further significant cost savings at the airline over the next 5 years.

Announcing the appointment, Executive Chairman Bernie Cahill said: “I am delighted to be able to announce the appointment of somebody of the calibre of Garry Cullen to the position of Group Chief Executive at Aer Lingus. Garry has demonstrated all the hallmarks of leadership, vision and commitment required in the exciting and challenging period now facing the airline. He has been a tireless implementor of the change required over recent years to transform Aer Lingus into a fully commercial enterprise. Under his direction the Aer Lingus operation has become a potent commercial force which is increasingly gaining profitable market share in a fiercely competitive industry”.
Commenting on his appointment, newly appointed Group Chief Executive Garry Cullen said: “I very much welcome the opportunity to take up the challenge of leading Aer Lingus in the exciting period ahead. A clear strategic direction has been mapped out for the airline based on a business focus designed to exploit the qualities of the Aer Lingus brand and a strategic alliance which can provide strong market growth through seamless global access with a strong international partner. A dedicated staff who personify the Aer Lingus brand giving us a competitive edge which cannot be copied and a loyal and growing customer base who are increasingly recognising the difference and value of our service are the key elements in our recent performance improvement”.

“I am committed to developing this unique alliance of brand, staff and customer so that the future commercial viability of Aer Lingus is built on solid foundations”, he added.

Background:

Garry Cullen is a native of Bray, Co. Wicklow and is married to Una with 4 children. He was educated in Presentation College Bray and holds a Commerce Degree from University College Dublin and a Masters in Management Science from Trinity College Dublin.

——-