David Lavorel, a 20-year stalwart of airport and airline tech company
SITA
, is to take over at the helm of the business.
He replaces Barbara Dalibard, who is leaving the business after five years.
Joining in 2000 as a business process manager, Lavorel was most recently CEO of SITA's airports and borders unit, a post he'd held since June 2020.
He has worked in a string of senior roles at the Switzerland-based company, including head of France Telecom relationship management, senior vice president of corporate development and CEO of its Onair business.
Dalibard arrived at the company in July 2016 from French rail operator SNCF after an earlier period in her career in telecommunications.
Chairman of the SITA board of directors, Omar Jefri, says: "The air transport industry has been through an incredibly turbulent period. As we look to recovery, digitalization of the industry is a key focus.
"David’s experience and knowledge of both the industry and SITA will be instrumental in cementing SITA’s position as a trusted partner, working with our shareholders to shape the future direction of the organization."
* Check this interview with Dalibard, recorded for the New Reality With... series in July 2020.
New Reality With... Barbara Dalibard of SITA