Global aviation group IAG has unveiled a sweeping reorganization of the top leadership across its major Spanish carriers. Iberia and Vueling will appoint new presidents starting in April, with role swaps and notable returns shaping the executive landscape, as the group disclosed during an analyst briefing tied to its annual results.
International Airlines Group (IAG) has named Marco Sansavini as the new chief executive and chair of Iberia. Sansavini previously led Vueling as its top executive and now returns to Iberia, where he previously served as chief commercial officer through 2020.
The appointment of Sansavini coincides with the designation of Carolina Martinoli as the new chief executive and president of Vueling. Martinoli has been the group head of People, Corporate Affairs, and Sustainability at IAG, and her promotion marks a significant shift in the carrier’s leadership. With these changes, Fernando Candela steps down from the Iberia presidency, a role he has held on an interim basis since May 2023 following Javier Sánchez-Prieto’s departure. Candela will remain within the IAG family as chief executive of the Level airline brand.
Speaking about the leadership reshuffle, the IAG chief executive, Luis Gallego, underscored the strategic direction behind the moves. He highlighted that the changes reinforce the group’s core priorities, including accelerating business transformation, driving sustainable growth, and sustaining industry-leading margins. Gallego also noted the strength of internal promotion within IAG, pointing to the depth of the group’s senior management as a key competitive advantage. The leadership team, he argued, has accumulated a wealth of experience across the company, enabling a smooth transition and continued execution of the plan across Iberia, Vueling, and the broader IAG network.
The executive changes come as IAG continues to navigate industry dynamics, including the recovery of travel demand, fleet optimization, and cost discipline. The leadership swap signals the group’s intent to preserve continuity in strategic execution while refreshing executive perspectives at Iberia and Vueling. For Iberia, Sansavini’s return to the top role is expected to align commercial and network strategies with the carrier’s growth ambitions. For Vueling, Martinoli’s leadership is anticipated to center on people strategy, corporate governance, and sustainability initiatives, reinforcing the airline’s long-term resilience and social responsibility commitments. Together, the moves aim to strengthen the group’s balance sheet, optimize operations, and enhance customer value across Spain’s flagship carriers.
Analysts note that the reshuffle reflects IAG’s approach to leadership development, with executives who already sit on the group’s leadership committee stepping into broader responsibilities. This internal pipeline is seen as a strength, helping ensure that strategic priorities are aligned across the portfolio while promoting a consistent cultural and operational standard. The changes also position Iberia and Vueling to respond more effectively to evolving consumer expectations, competition, and regulatory environments in Europe and North America.
As the new appointments take effect, the broader IAG strategy will continue to focus on network optimization, hub operations, and responsible growth. The group remains committed to improving margins through efficiency initiatives, fleet modernization, and prudent financial management. In commenting on the leadership evolution, industry observers expect a steady hand at the helm as Iberia, Vueling, and the rest of the IAG family navigate a post-pandemic recovery, rising fuel costs, and ongoing competitive pressure in the airline sector.
In summary, IAG’s executive realignment reinforces a narrative of continuity and renewal. By promoting leaders already familiar with the group’s culture and business model, the company aims to accelerate strategic execution while maintaining a steady course toward sustainable profitability. The leadership changes symbolize a practical blend of experience, fresh perspectives, and a clear focus on growth, efficiency, and stakeholder value across Iberia, Vueling, and the broader IAG group.