Long-serving Alitalia executive Marco Zanichelli has been asked by the Italian government to appease the airline's militant unions following the resignation of chief executive Francesco Mengozzi, who failed to gain labour support for a turnaround plan that included job cuts and outsourcing.
Director general Zanichelli, 56, steps up to the position of chief executive while retaining his former title. He joined Alitalia in 1989 as director of external relations and communications and has held an increasing raft of senior responsibilities before becoming general secretary in 2001.
As he concentrates on the union talks, Zanichelli has moved quickly to strengthen his top team, with Glen Hauenstein being made vice-general director. He is a member of the team from the Turnworks consultancy brought in by Mengozzi to prepare Alitalia's new business plan and an ex-Continental Airlines executive. Chief financial officer Luca Egidi has been promoted to the same level to make up Zanichelli's senior advisory pairing.
Turnworks, led by Greg Brenneman, has a two-year contract with Alitalia. Another Turnworks executive working within the carrier is Bob King, who has been named senior vice-president global sales and distribution.
The final Zanichelli appointment is to bring in Alitalia Express head Massimo Chieli as head of personnel to introduce a new face and a seasoned union negotiator to the labour talks.
Since leaving Alitalia, Mengozzi has quickly found another senior post as chief financial officer at Italy's state-owned post office.
MARK PILLING LONDON
Source: Airline Business
