Airbus has announced the appointment of Gabriel Semelas as the new President of Airbus in Africa and the Middle East, effective from 1st January 2025.
Gabriel Semelas, a seasoned professional with over 24 years of experience in the aeronautical industry, will oversee Airbus’ operations across all divisions in the region, which is a key area for the company’s strategic growth.
He returns to Airbus from his current role as Chief Commercial and Financial Officer at Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH in Germany. Prior to that, he led Airbus’ contracts team for the Commercial Aircraft business in Africa and the Middle East.
In his new position, Semelas will succeed Mikail Houari, who has played a vital role in expanding Airbus’ presence in the region in recent years.
Wouter Van Wersch, Executive Vice President International at Airbus, praised Semelas’ expertise, stating:
“Gabriel’s extensive background in the aeronautical industry, coupled with his proven leadership skills, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Airbus’ operations in Africa and the Middle East. We are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen our presence and partnerships in this strategically important region.”
Commenting on his appointment, Semelas expressed excitement about taking on the new role:
“I am honoured to take on this responsibility at such a pivotal time for Airbus in Africa and the Middle East. I look forward to working with our talented teams and partners to drive growth and innovation in this dynamic market.”
With a strong presence in the Middle East and Africa, Airbus employs over 3,300 people in the region. The company has been actively sourcing supplies and components from local businesses while providing comprehensive technical support to partners. Additionally, Airbus has launched initiatives aimed at developing local talent and fostering future leaders in the aerospace industry.
