EADS has designated Tom Enders to take over the role of CEO when Louis Gallois steps down at the end of May. Enders will assume the role, which has a five-year term, on 1 June.

Concurrently, Arnaud Lagardère will assume the role of chairman of the board of EADS, replacing Bodo Uebber.

Meanwhile, Fabrice Brégier will succeed Tom Enders and become CEO of Airbus and Günter Butschek, presently head of operations, will become chief operating officer at the airframer.

Harald Wilhelm will become chief financial officer of EADS, alongside his present role as CFO of Airbus, following the request of Hans Peter Ring to retire from the company, although Ring will remain in an advisory capacity until the end of 2012.

The board of directors will see the appointment of former president of the European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet and industrialist Lakshmi Mittal.

Current EADS chairman Uebber said: "Having clarity about the board and management positions enables EADS to build a bright future for the long term on solid foundations."

EADS CEO Gallois added: "Tom Enders not only has a wide range of experience across our businesses, but strong leadership skills and charisma with an established track record. I am sure that he will extend his vision for EADS in the best interest of all its stakeholders and in particular of the great community of employees working together across our nations."

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news