Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker is stepping down after 27 years leading the company.
Al Baker's retirement will go into effect Nov. 5, Qatar Airways said Monday. He will be succeeded by Badr Mohammed Al-Meer — who currently serves as the chief operating officer of Hamad International Airport in Doha, the hub of Qatar's national carrier.
In Monday's announcement, Qatar Airways said that it “has grown to become one of the most recognizable and trusted brands globally” under Al Baker's leadership. The company pointed to seven “World's Best Airline” wins, among other allocates.
Al Baker was appointed CEO in 1997, three years after the airline's launch, and has been instrumental in transforming Qatar Airways into a major international carrier that competes against the likes of Dubai's Emirates and Turkish Airlines.
In July, Qatar Airways reported a profit of $1.2 billion over the last fiscal year, boosted in part by the country’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Qatar Airway's earned revenue of $20.9 billion over the fiscal year, up from $14.4 billion the year before.
