Executive reshuffle row rumbles on past 1 June deadline
EADS last week failed to meet its self-imposed deadline of 1 June to approve its new executive management line-up, including the anticipated appointment of German Gustav Humbert as chief executive of Airbus.
The manufacturer refused to comment on the reasons for the delay late last week. However, it appears that EADS shareholders Lagardère, the French government and Germany's DaimlerChrysler were unable to reach agreement on a proposal by French co-chief executive-designate and outgoing Airbus head Noel Forgeard. He is reportedly keen for the manufacturer to introduce deputy co-chief executives to its management structure. Forgeard is also said to be attempting to retain executive control of Airbus.
EADS co-chairmen Manfred Bischoff and Arnaud Lagardère are retaining executive responsibility for EADS until the new appointments are formally announced.
The company had already postponed making a decision on its new executive committee until 1 June, following its annual shareholders' meeting on 11 May.
Humbert, who is currently Airbus's chief operating officer, is widely tipped to take the helm of the world's largest airliner manufacturer.
Analysts believe that he is the logical choice to take over from Forgeard: "Someone with an operational background is what Airbus needs – it is a successful business model – the real challenge is simply continuing to reduce the cost base," says one.
HELEN MASSY-BERESFORD/LONDON
Source: Flight International
