Russia's flagship airline Aeroflot plans to hire Alitalia's Vice President in charge of strategy Giorgio Callegari as deputy CEO for strategy, Kommersant business daily reported on Monday citing sources close to the company.
"He has impressed management with his knowledge and competence," an Aeroflot board source said.
Aeroflot is now working on its strategy with marketing, fleet and route strategies yet to be approved.
"Even though Russian companies' experience with Western managers has not always been a success, we welcome Aeroflot's attempts to bring in foreign expertise. Callegari, who has worked for over 20 years in the global aviation industry and has held various positions with Sky Team and IATA, could provide a new impetus to Aeroflot's strategic development," VTB Capital said in a research note.
Kommersant quoted Infomost consulting company Boris Rybak as saying that unlike other industries, Russian aviation did not use many foreign specialists as the government did not welcome the practice. He said that legislation prohibited foreigners from becoming general directors of aviation companies.
MOSCOW, May 23 (RIA Novosti)
