Airbus has appointed Mikail Houari, 50, as president for its Africa and Middle East markets.
Global aerospace leader Airbus has appointed Mikail Houari, who previously served as deputy president for Africa and the Middle East, as regional president.
Mr. Houari brings to the position more than 25 years of experience within the industry at a global level. In his new role, he will lead the team to drive operations and future business across the region.
“Mikail’s extensive business and market experience will allow him to lead Airbus in the region and deliver on its objectives,” said Tom Enders, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus. “Under his leadership, Airbus will continue to expand its regional presence as new and existing markets emerge and evolve across Africa and the Middle East.”
Mr. Houari joined Airbus in 2005 as vice president for Latin America, overseeing the defense and space divisions before moving to the UAE to cover the same sectors for the Middle East region. In 2011, Mr. Houari was named as general delegate for Airbus group, and was later appointed deputy president for Airbus in Africa and Middle East.
Mr. Houari began his career at Alcatel where he worked in Spain, China and Latin America. He later joined Thales, focusing initially on business in Saudi Arabia, thereafter leading global sales of its SCADA products and services.
Mr. Houari is a business graduate in Applied Commercial Sciences from Paris. He succeeds Habib Fekih, who will retire after 30 years of service with Airbus.
“Habib Fekih is one of Airbus’ longest serving and most successful sales executives. He is one of the architects of Airbus’ new commercial structure,” said Mr. Enders. “During his 30-year tenure at Airbus, he has successfully piloted the company’s significant growth across one of Airbus’ most dynamic regions.”