Brazilian airline GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes has announced a new chief executive, who will take over the running of the company as it becomes part of a new Latin American airline holding group.  

Celso Ferrer, currently vice president of operations, will succeed Paulo Kakinoff as CEO of the Brazilian carrier on July 1, 2022. Kakinoff will continue working for GOL as a member of the board of directors.  

“Kakinoff has been an outstanding CEO for the last decade and has developed an excellent group of leaders to manage our airline over the next decade,” commented GOL chairman Constantino de Oliveira Junior.  “We are thrilled for the opportunity to continue working together on the board.” 

Ferrer, a 39-year-old Boeing 737 pilot, joined Brazil’s largest domestic airline in 2003 and has served in roles including chief planning officer and chief operating officer. “I am honored and excited to be asked to serve as CEO,” Ferrer said.  

The announcement of the new chief executive comes five days after the main shareholders of GOL and Colombian carrier Avianca (AVHOQ) detailed plans to set up a new holding company, called Abra. GOL and Avianca (AVHOQ) will become part of the new airline group, but will each continue to operate independently.  

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