CEO of IAG

Luis Gallego took over as CEO of International Airlines Group (IAG) in September 2020, leading the company through the most significant crisis in modern aviation history. At the time of his appointment, Gallego expressed his aim to ensure that IAG adapted to the “new normal” in aviation and capitalised on its strengths to ensure a strong future for the Group, its customers, shareholders and employees. After two difficult years, the business returned to profitability in 2022. Today, the company is undergoing a transformation to take IAG to its full potential.
Born in Madrid, Luis Gallego holds a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and an MBA from IESE.
He began his professional career in the Air Force Command Instruction Service and later worked at Aviaco and INDRA. Between 1997 and 2006 he held various positions at Air Nostrum, where he was Technical Director of the maintenance workshop. Subsequently, Gallego joined Clickair as founder and Operations Director until the airline’s merger with Vueling.
At Vueling, Luis Gallego held the position of Chief Operating Officer, overseeing flight operations, training, quality and safety, maintenance and operations.
In 2012, Iberia entrusted him with the creation of Iberia Express, where he held the position of CEO until his transfer to Iberia. He first assumed the position of CEO in March 2013 and, since January 2014, he has held the position of Executive Chairman of the company. During this time, he was also a member of IAG’s executive committee and Chairman of LEVEL, IAG’s long-haul airline based in Barcelona.
During his time at Iberia, he spearheaded the transformation and modernisation of the company. In his first year, he managed to halve losses, and in his second, he returned the business to profitability after six consecutive years of losses. Iberia is now recognised as one of the most punctual airlines in the world.
Luis Gallego is based in London and works at IAG’s corporate headquarters near Heathrow.