The board of Air France has approved the appointment of Alexandre de Juniac as chairman and chief executive of the company with immediate effect.

He replaces Jean-Cyril Spinetta, who held both roles until October this year, following his resignation in October this year. 

Born on November 10th 1962, de Juniac is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique de Paris and the Ecole Nationale de l’Administration.

During his career, he has held the positions with Sextant Avionics, Thales and the French ministry for the economy, industry and employment.

The 65-year-old Gourgeon had been appointed chief executive on January 1st 2009, with shareholders voting to reappoint him for another four-year term in July.

However, group reported a first quarter net loss of $283 million and warned that outlook was uncertain for the rest of the year later that month with Gourgeon eventually stepping down.