IndiGo Names Willie Walsh as CEO, Tapping IATA Chief to Lead Next Phase of Growth

InterGlobe Aviation Limited's board has appointed William Walsh as Chief Executive Officer of IndiGo, the company said in a press release. The announcement was made on March 31 and is subject to regulatory approvals. Walsh's term at IATA concludes on July 31 after which he is expected to join IndiGo within days.

Walsh brings one of the most decorated CVs in global aviation to the role. He began his career as a pilot before rising through the ranks at Aer Lingus, where he served as COO and then CEO between 2000 and 2005. He subsequently led British Airways as CEO from 2005 to 2011, before taking charge of IAG the holding company behind British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Level and Vueling from 2011 to 2020. He has headed IATA since then.

In his new role, Walsh will oversee IndiGo's overall management and strategic direction, with a specific focus on operational performance, network and commercial strategy, and customer experience, the release said. He will report to the board and work alongside IndiGo's existing leadership team, it added.

Walsh, in a statement, said he was struck most by the airline's people and their professionalism, and expressed intent to build a culture of excellence and collaboration as the airline scales up.

IndiGo is currently India's largest carrier by market share and operates in one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.