The International Air Transport Association’s board of governors has approved the appointment of Alexandre de Juniac, chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM, to succeed Tony Tyler as director general and CEO of the association when Tyler retires in June 2016.

“The IATA board of governors is very pleased to recommend Alexandre de Juniac to lead IATA,” said Andrés Conesa, CEO of Aeromexico and chairman of the IATA board of governors. “Under Tony Tyler’s leadership IATA has grown stronger. This has been achieved by building partnerships across the industry and with governments, and by increasing the diversity of business models within IATA’s membership that has grown to 264 airlines. Alexandre’s broad experience in aviation and government makes him the ideal candidate to take our association to even greater heights.”

De Juniac said that he was honoured by the industry’s confidence in him and that he was excited to take up the position.

“IATA has a critical role to play in supporting the success of the aviation industry – leading advocacy, safeguarding the industry’s money, building the standards that underpin global connectivity and partnering with stakeholders and governments to drive important changes,” he said. “I look forward to leading IATA as it supports safe, efficient and sustainable global connectivity.”

De Juniac has been chairman and CEO of Air France-KLM since 2013. He was previously chairman and CEO of Air France from 2011 to 2013, and has worked in various leadership roles at Thales. He has also worked in the French government.

“Alexandre will be a great leader for IATA,” said Tyler. “He knows the business well and brings valuable experience from both government and industry. I am sure that he will keep IATA close to its members and fully focused on delivering the value that they expect from their association. I can’t think of a better person to lead the IATA team and I look forward to handing over the job in a few months’ time.  Until then, I remain fully committed to my duties and await an exciting AGM in Dublin with great interest.”

The appointment of de Juniac will be confirmed at the IATA AGM from June 1 to June 3, 2016, after which he will take up his duties following a short handover period, according to the association.