New Leadership For A350XWB, A330, A320 Programs

Following the nomination of Didier Evrard as Airbus Executive Vice-President, Programs, in December 2014, the planemaker has named three top managers effective who will begin their new duties March 1.

Patrick Piedrafita, currently Head of the A330 Family Program, is appointed Head of the A350 XWB Program. In this new role, Patrick Piedrafita will report directly to Didier Evrard – Airbus Executive Vice-President Programs and Member of the Airbus Executive Committee since December 16th 2014.

Eric Zanin, currently Head of Procurement Operations, is appointed Head of the A330 Family Program, also reporting directly to Didier Evrard.

Klaus Roewe, currently Head of A320neo Program, is appointed Head of the A320 Family Program and succeeds in this role Daniel Baubil. Klaus will report directly to Didier Evrard.

Daniel Baubil will take over the responsibility of Senior Advisor to Didier Evrard. Daniel will be in charge of the cross programs competitiveness projects within the program organisation.

Following Patrick Piedrafita’s appointment as Head of A350 XWB Program, and with the necessary full focus required by this strategic priority, Charles Champion, in addition to his current role as Executive Vice-President Engineering and Member of the Airbus Executive Committee, is assigned the role previously held by Patrick Piedrafita, of “Président Délégué & Directeur Général of Airbus Operations SAS”. In this specific role, Charles will report to Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO.

“I would like to thank Patrick Piedrafita for the pivotal role he has played in bringing together all of Airbus’ activities in France under one roof, creating the single, harmonised operation we have in place today,” said Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President & CEO. “I am delighted to appoint Patrick as the new Head of the A350 XWB Program and to leverage his valuable experience and leadership skills in program management. Patrick brings the ideal expertise from the successful A330 Program just as the A350 XWB enters its series production and ramp-up phase, both essential for the company’s long-term success.”

“As we focus our efforts on production challenges in close cooperation with our supply chain partners worldwide, Eric Zanin, brings a tremendous wealth of operational and strategic expertise to the A330 Family Program moving forwards,” said Fabrice Brégier. “Klaus Roewe has been truly instrumental in successfully driving the A320neo Program. As we approach the transition between the A320ceo and the NEO, it makes sense to bring the A320 program together under one single leadership.”

(Images from file)

FMI: www.airbus.com