Airbus names new COO as defence and technology chiefs step down

Airbus has named Alberto Gutierrez as its COO, succeeding Michael Schoellhorn who will take over as the head of the company’s Defence and Space division. The change follows Defence and Space chief Dirk Hoke’s decision to leave the European aerospace giant. Gutierrez is currently executive VP of military aircraft. Airbus’s CTO, Grazia Vittadini, is also leaving after nearly two decades, to be succeeded by Sabine Klauke. She will also hold the post of executive VP of engineering, taking over from Jean-Brice Dumont who steps up to replace Gutierrez. Klauke is currently the executive VP of engineering for the Defence and Space division.<br/>