Wizz Air says former CFO of British Airways-owner IAG joins board

LONDON (Reuters) – Wizz Air said the former chief financial officer of British Airways-owner IAG had joined its board, the latest sign of the Hungary-based low cost airline’s bid to move into the top tier of European airlines.

Wizz said that Enrique Dupuy de Lome Chavarri, who was IAG CFO from the founding of the group in 2011 to 2019, joined the Wizz board with effect from Wednesday. Wizz’s chairman said he was delighted with the appointment.

“His broad industry experience and personal network will be valuable to Wizz Air as the company expands across Europe,” Chairman William A. Franke said in a statement.

Having expanded into western Europe from its eastern European base in recent years, low-cost carrier Wizz has so far withstood the pandemic better than some larger competitors, continuing to add new routes and take delivery of new aircraft.

Wizz’s CEO said earlier on Thursday that he saw opportunity in the crisis to gain market share, buoyed by the company’s cash-rich position and flexible business model.

(Reporting by Sarah Young, Editing by Paul Sandle)