Eric Pommier has replaced Patrick Leboucher as chairman and managing director of French Polynesia’s international airline, Air Tahiti Nui.
Pommier, 63, a former banker, was Leboucher’s expected successor. He started his banking career thirty years ago with the former Banque de l’Indochine in Papeete, but has been chief executive of Tahiti’s Banque Socredo for the past 15 years. His background is expected to help the airline manage the growth of its South Pacific-based network.
Leboucher resigned after 18 months at the airline’s helm because of a conflict of interest that arose from his other job. Leboucher is also chief of staff to French Polynesia’s president, and when President Temaru recently took on the additional aviation portfolio, Leboucher concluded he could not hold both positions. After what he describes as a “difficult choice”, Leboucher chose to leave the airline and stay in politics.
DAVID KNIBB / SEATTLE
Source: Airline Business
