Airbus has announced a major leadership transition, with Amparo Moraleda set to become Chair of the Board of Directors, succeeding René Obermann on October 1, 2026. The decision was confirmed during the group's Annual General Meeting in Amsterdam.
René Obermann will step down after nearly a decade as Chairman. His tenure oversaw a period of significant expansion and complex challenges for the aerospace giant.
Amparo Moraleda, a current independent director on Airbus's board, brings extensive industrial and international experience to the role. A Spanish national, she has held senior positions at IBM and served as CEO of Iberdrola's engineering and construction subsidiary. Her appointment comes at a critical juncture for Airbus, which faces intense industrial pressures and a volatile geopolitical landscape.
The planned succession ensures a two-year transition period, providing continuity and stability for the company's strategic direction.