Airbus names new chair as Obermann leaves on 1 October 2026
Airbus changed its board leadership, with Amparo Moraleda becoming Chair on 1 October 2026 as René Obermann left to focus on his mandate at SAP.
What happened
Airbus SE announced key changes to its Board of Directors following its meeting held on 1 October 2026. René Obermann left the Board effective 1 October 2026 to concentrate on his mandate at SAP. Amparo Moraleda assumed her role as Chair of the Board on 1 October 2026. According to the company, the announcements followed that meeting.
The Board co-opted Christophe Fouquet, CEO of ASML, to replace René Obermann as Non-Executive Director for the remainder of his term. A Non-Executive Director is a board member without daily management duties who supervises and advises. He will subsequently seek a full three-year mandate at the next Annual General Meeting in April 2027.
The sequence showed a managed transition at the top of the board. The vacancy arose from the departure, the replacement was named for the remaining term, and shareholders were given a later vote on a full term. That structure preserved continuity while keeping the appointment subject to approval. Investors could therefore track the immediate change and the pending vote.
New nominees bring industrial experience to Airbus board
Jean-Pierre Clamadieu informed the Board that he will not seek a new mandate at the 2027 AGM upon expiration of his current term. Florent Menegaux, CEO of Michelin, has been selected to succeed Jean-Pierre Clamadieu. Florent Menegaux will seek a three-year mandate as a Non-Executive Director at the 2027 AGM. The succession was therefore arranged before the mandate expired.
Amparo Moraleda and Oliver Zipse will seek renewed three-year mandates at the 2027 AGM. The Board designated Mark Dunkerley to serve as Chair of the Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee. Mark Dunkerley was also designated Lead Independent Director, succeeding Amparo Moraleda in this capacity.
The committee role and the lead role concern board oversight and coordination. The Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee prepares board decisions on pay, appointments and governance standards. The Lead Independent Director acts as a contact point for independent oversight alongside the chair. These are internal governance functions that shape how the board operates.
