# Qatar Airways’ New CEO Hamad Al-Khater Gives First Major Interview to Richard Quest

_Jun 9 17:02_

Tags: Qatar Airways, Rio de Janeiro, airline, industry news

Qatar Airways CEO Hamad Al-Khater, who took office roughly six months ago, gave his first major public interview to Richard Quest at the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro, addressing the airline's recent rapid succession of three CEOs

## Summary

Qatar Airways CEO Hamad Al-Khater has given his first major public interview, conducted by Richard Quest, at the International Air Travel Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro. Al-Khater assumed the role roughly six months ago, following a period of significant management turnover that saw the departure of longtime CEO Akbar Al Baker and his successor Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. The interview addresses the lack of public context surrounding these leadership changes and Al-Khater's background as a former airport COO rather than a traditional airline executive. Thierry Antinori, the Chief Commercial Officer, is noted as the de facto operational leader steering the company during this transition

## Why it matters

Affects Qatar Airways loyalty members and route planners.

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/richard-quest-interviews-qatar-airways-mysterious-new-ceo) — Fascinating: Richard Quest Interviews Qatar Airways’ Mysterious New CEO

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