• IAG Appoints José Antonio Barrionuevo as New CFO
• Nicholas Cadbury to Step Down
LONDON, UK – International Airlines Group (IAG) announced on January 9, 2026, that Chief Financial Officer Nicholas Cadbury will step down from his role and leave the company in June 2026. José Antonio Barrionuevo, a senior leader from within the group, has been appointed as his successor.
What is new?
International Airlines Group (IAG) has initiated a transition for its Chief Financial Officer position. Nicholas Cadbury has decided to leave the group, with his departure effective from June 2026. He will be replaced by José Antonio Barrionuevo, who currently serves as the Chief Financial and Transformation Officer at British Airways. The change in leadership was presented as part of the company’s internal succession planning.
Leadership Commentary
IAG’s Chief Executive Officer, Luis Gallego, thanked Nicholas Cadbury for his contributions since joining in early 2022.
“Under his leadership, IAG has built back its balance sheet and profitability, improved shareholder returns, positioning for long-term sustainable growth,” Gallego stated. He expressed confidence in the incoming CFO, adding, “I’m delighted that José Antonio, a talented leader from within the Group, will be taking over from Nicholas. He brings significant experience in finance, transformation and strategy in both Iberia and British Airways and in capital markets.”
The incoming CFO, José Antonio Barrionuevo, said, “I am looking forward to continuing my career within IAG now as CFO for the Group. IAG is well-positioned to continue sustainable long-term growth, industry-leading profitability and value creation for our shareholders.” Nicholas Cadbury commented on his departure, “I have decided that now is the right time to step down to seek new and varied challenges outside IAG, after supporting the transition to José Antonio.”
Transition and Succession
The appointment of José Antonio Barrionuevo is a result of IAG’s succession-planning process, which focuses on developing career paths for senior leaders across its operating companies. To ensure a smooth handover, Nicholas Cadbury will remain with the business for the next six months to support the transition.
Mr. Barrionuevo has been with the group since 2013, when he joined Iberia as Director of Strategy and Transformation. He has held various roles, including a seven-year tenure as Chief Financial Officer of Iberia, before taking on his current role at British Airways in July 2023. His prior experience includes work at JP Morgan and McKinsey.
About this company
International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A. is a British-Spanish multinational airline holding company with its registered office in Madrid, Spain, and its global headquarters in London, UK. It was formed in January 2011 after a merger agreement between British Airways and Iberia, which are its main operating companies. The group’s portfolio also includes Aer Lingus, Vueling, and LEVEL.
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