Willie Wash, the leader of IAG, has announced his intention to retire within the next two years. The former British Airways CEO went on to become the CEO of its owner and has spent 15 years with the carrier.

The International Airlines Group (IAG), was established eight years ago in 2011. Willie Walsh, who has come to be a well-known name within the aviation industry, became the CEO of the International Airlines group when it was founded in 2011. Mr Walsh has also spent time as the CEO of another IAG airline; Aer Lingus.

A bit about Willie Walsh

Willie Walsh was born in 1961 on the 25th of October. As such, the seasoned businessman is now 58 years old. Born in Dublin, Willie attended a local primary and secondary school. At the age of 17, he undertook his first endeavor into the aviation industry, becoming a cadet pilot with Aer Lingus.

With a Masters in business management and administration, Mr Walsh joined Aer Lingus once again as the company's COO following some time in management at Futura. In 2001, he was promoted to the CEO of Aer Lingus.

Willie Walsh, IAG, Retirement
Mr Walsh's early career was defined by Aer Lingus. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

While Aer Lingus was in financial difficulty, Mr Walsh turned the carrier around. However, after the Irish Government turned down a floatation of the airline, he resigned in 2005.

British Airways and IAG

In mid-2005, Walsh became CEO of British Airways where he remained until it merged with Iberia in January 2011 forming the International Airlines Group. Since then Mr Walsh has been behind the roles of one of the large European airline groups.

Upcoming retirement

However, it seems as though Willie Walsh is preparing his retirement from the aviation industry. According to the Evening Standard, Mr Walsh was caught saying the following:

“I’m 58 and I will not be in this job when I’m 60. I’ve been doing it for 15 years, and I’m much closer to retirement now than I was a year ago.”

British Airways, Pilot Strike, Willie Walsh
Willie Walsh is hopeful that the situation can be resolved soon. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

Following what must have been a tough couple of months for the airline group's CEO, the search for a replacement will surely start before too long. The comments came as the IAG group announced that the strike of British Airways pilots in September had cost the airline group €137 million, 10% of the group's pre-tax profit.

British Airways pilots went on strike for 48 hours in response to a disagreement about pay, however, further action since then has been suspended. It is unknown whether pilots will stage any further strike action at this moment in time. The airline's pilots can strike up until January, however, 14 days notice is required prior to any action taking place.

Do you think Willie Walsh has been a good CEO for IAG? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!