Qatar Airways announced on Monday that its long-serving CEO, Akbar Al Baker, will be stepping down from his role. After 27 years with the airline, he will officially relinquish his position as group CEO on November 5th, 2023. Taking the reins as his successor is Badr Mohammed al-Meer, who currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Doha’s Hamad International Airport.
In a memo to the airline’s staff, the outgoing CEO expressed his deep gratitude, stating, “It has been an incredible privilege to lead such an exceptional global team, and the honor of a lifetime to serve my country.”
Akbar Al Baker, believed to be in his early 60s, is widely recognized for his transformative leadership since taking charge of the airline in 1997. Under his guidance, Qatar Airways has evolved into a globally renowned carrier.
The airline praised Baker’s “remarkable service” and emphasized his significant contributions, particularly in the development of Hamad airport and the pivotal role played by Qatar Airways in facilitating the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
In a separate development, Qatari authorities announced on Sunday that Baker had been removed from his role as the chairman of Qatar’s tourism body. No official explanation was provided for this decision.
