THE Middle Eastern carrier confirmed to travelBulletin this morning that its long-time boss, Akbar Al Baker, is calling it quits after 27 years in the role. On 05 November, he will pass the baton to Hamad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Badr Mohammed Al Meer (pictured).
The outspoken CEO has been credited with helping grow Qatar Airways into the globally recognised and trusted brand that it is today, with a powerful network of destinations around the world, including connectivity in Australia.
His replacement, Al Meer, has held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport since 2014, during which time it was named by Skytrax as the ‘World’s Best Airport’ two years in a row, in 2021 and 2022.
The announcement comes just one day after Al Baker also stepped down as Chairman of Qatar Tourism, with Vice Chair Saad bin Ali Al Kharji stepping up to replace him.
It has not yet been confirmed if the outgoing Qatar chief will also retire from other posts, including serving as the chief executive of Hamad International Airport and of Qatar Duty Free.
