Pekka Vauramo, chief executive of Finnair, has been nominated by the governing board of the oneworld to serve as chairman for the next two years.

He took up the role at oneworld’s mid-year board meeting, held in Cancun, where airline industry leaders from around the world are gathering for the IATA annual meeting.

He succeeds Ivan Chu, who has moved on from his role as chief executive of Cathay Pacific Airways to become chairman of John Swire & Sons, China, after leading the alliance for two years. 

His successor as Cathay Pacific chief executive, Rupert Hogg, has also taken his position on the oneworld governing board.

As oneworld chairman, Vauramo will chair its board meetings, oversee alliance governance and work closely with oneworld chief executive Rob Gurney and the central alliance team.

Pekka Vauramo said: “I am honoured to be invited to serve as chairman of the oneworld governing board. 

“As oneworld approaches its twentieth anniversary, an even stronger focus will be placed on adding value for our global customer base, which will benefit all of our member airlines. 

“We also want to thank Ivan Chu for his leadership of oneworld during the past two years.”

Vauramo joined Finnair as chief executive in 2013 to lead the airline’s transformation from restructuring to renewal and accelerated growth.

He previously served with Finnish cargo and load handling company Cargotec and with Sandvik, the Swedish mining and construction company, in various senior management positions.