British Airways CEO Rod Eddington later this year will step down from the helm of the United Kingdom's flagship carrier and be replaced by former Aer Lingus head Willie Walsh.
A BA spokesperson said Walsh would begin working at BA on May 3, moving to the CEO position upon Eddington's retirement in September.
Eddington took the reins of British Airways in May 2000, following years as a commercial aviation executive with Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific and as executive chairman at Ansett Australia and deputy chairman of News Ltd.
(BTN, May 1, 2000). Published reports said Eddington would return to his native Australia.