IAG Cargo has appointed Lynne Embleton as its new chief executive, effective immediately.

Embleton, who was managing director of British Airways at Gatwick Airport, replaces Drew Crawley, who has been appointed chief executive of Avios, IAG’s loyalty programme.

Embleton joins the IAG management committee and will report directly to Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG.

“Lynne’s extensive experience across group strategy as well as on the IAG Cargo board will be invaluable in the continued growth of our cargo business,” Walsh said.

Embleton has more than 25 years of experience at the airline. She was previously head of strategy at British Airways and has also sat on the IAG Cargo board as a non-executive director for over four years, according to IAG.