The Governing Board of the oneworld® Alliance has appointed Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency, Akbar Al Baker as Chairman succeeding Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce, who had served in the role since September 2018.

In a statement, oneworld said as Chairman of the Governing Board, Al Baker will oversee the alliance’s governance, chair oneworld’s Governing Board meetings, and work closely with oneworld CEO Rob Gurney and the alliance’s management team.

Having led Qatar Airways since its launch in 1997, Al Baker is the longest-serving CEO of a oneworld member airline, it said, adding that under his leadership, Qatar Airways has grown into one of the world’s most highly-awarded airlines with an extensive global network, with plans to serve over 140 destinations by end of July 2021.

Qatar Airways became a member of oneworld in October 2013.

Al Baker served as Chairman of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Board of Governors from June 2018 to June 2019. He has also served on IATA’s Board of Governors since 2012 and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation and a non-executive Director of Heathrow Airport Holdings. In addition, he serves as Secretary-General of Qatar National Tourism Council.

"I am honored to have been chosen by my fellow board members to head the oneworld alliance Governing Board at a time when the industry is facing its biggest challenge," Al Baker, said.

"I look forward to serving as Chairman of the Governing Board and working with our alliance partners, oneworld CEO Rob Gurney and the oneworld team to provide more global connectivity, a seamless travel experience, and more valuable loyalty offerings for our passengers," he added.

Outgoing chairman, Alan Joyce said, "Akbar is well placed to guide oneworld on its ongoing transformation."