The chairman of Etihad Aviation Group, Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, today confirmed the appointment of Tony Douglas as group chief executive, who will join the company in January 2018.

Douglas joins Etihad from the United Kingdom’s ministry of defence, where he has served as chief executive of the defence equipment and support department, responsible for procuring and supporting all the equipment and services for the British Armed Forces.

In the UK, he held senior positions with airport operator BAA, and as chief operating officer and group chief executive designate of Laing O’Rourke.

His roles under airport operator BAA included managing director of the Heathrow Terminal 5 project, group supply chain director, group technical director, and chief executive, Heathrow Airport.

Previously, Douglas held senior positions in the UAE, most notably as chief executive of Abu Dhabi Airports Company and as chief executive of Abu Dhabi Ports Company where he was responsible for the successful delivery of Khalifa Port.

Al Mazrouei, chairman of the board of Etihad Aviation Group, commented: “We are delighted to have Tony return to Abu Dhabi to lead Etihad.

“He has guided the transformation of large organisations in the UAE and the UK, and he understands the UAE and the region.

“He is also deeply knowledgeable about commercial aviation and keenly familiar with Etihad’s challenges and opportunities in a rapidly changing industry.”

As group chief executive, Douglas will work with the board and leadership team to expand and implement a range of strategic initiatives to position Etihad for sustained success in an increasingly competitive regional and global aviation market.

Douglas commented: “Etihad is a force in global aviation that must continue to adapt and evolve on its own and with industry partners.

“It is an economic and employment engine for the UAE and the region.

“With new infrastructure and attractions like the expanded airport, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi Global Market, Etihad has a central role in supporting the UAE’s position as a global hub of transportation, tourism, commerce, and culture.”