June 13--MUMBAI -- Jet Airways (India) Ltd, India's second largest airline by passengers carried, named Gary Kenneth Toomey as its new chief executive officer (CEO) on Thursday, ahead of Etihad Airways PJSC of the United Arab Emirates taking a stake in the carrier.
The appointment follows the resignation of Nikos Kardassis, who left the airline this month after serving two terms as CEO, between 1993 and 1999, and again from October 2009.
Toomey, 58, an Australian national, has served as president and chief executive officer of the Air New Zealand Group and as chief executive officer of Airlines PNG in Papua New Guinea during their periods of major expansion.
Before that he was deputy chief executive officer, chief financial officer and executive director of Qantas Airways Ltd and chief financial officer of domestic carrier Australian Airlines.
Mint reported on 29 April that Toomey was likely to become the next chief executive officer of Jet Airways, citing two people aware of the development. Toomey's appointment is subject to regulatory approvals, including security clearance, Jet Airways said in a statement.
Etihad Airways PJSC agreed on 24 April to buy a 24% stake in Jet Airways for $379 million.
The new CEO will lead the next phase of growth at the carrier, Jet Airways founder chairman Naresh Goyal said. "Toomey has extensive experience in domestic and international airline management, and the right credentials and skills to take Jet Airways forward," Goyal said.
Toomey said the Indian aviation market was one of the fastest growing in the world, offering significant potential for Jet Airways not only within India, but beyond, through new or improved international connections.
Copyright 2013 - Mint, New Delhi
