The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the CEO of Latam Airlines Group, Roberto Alvo, will assume the chairmanship of the organization's board of directors, succeeding the CEO of IAG, Luis Gallego, who will continue to be part of this body, as detailed in an official statement.
According to the statement, Alvo becomes the 84th chairman of the board of directors. His term will last for one year, until the next annual general meeting to be held at the end of May 2027 in Xiamen (China).
The new chairman joined LAN Airlines —now LATAM Airlines Group— in 2001, where he held various responsibilities in the financial, commercial, and strategic areas, before being appointed CEO in 2020.
"Aviation is at a crucial moment, with an increasingly important role in connecting people, fostering trade, and supporting global economic development. Chairing IATA's board of directors at this time is a responsibility I take on with great commitment," Alvo stated.
During the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), the association's Director General, Willie Walsh, emphasized that the board is in "very good hands" with this appointment, highlighting Alvo's leadership at Latam Airlines Group.
During his tenure as CEO, Alvo had to face the Chapter 11 restructuring process, as well as the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, leading the group's transformation and subsequent recovery in 2022.
Walsh also wished to acknowledge the work of Luis Gallego, whom he described as a "diligent" and "tireless" chairman, especially during the "complex" modernization of its governance.