Qatar Airways Appoints New CEO Hamad Ali Al-Khater Amid Abrupt Leadership Change
Qatar Airways has announced the appointment of Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new CEO, effective immediately. Al-Khater succeeds Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, who had been in the role since late 2023. Al-Khater previously served as the Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, where he was responsible for the safety and reliability of airport operations. His appointment comes as a surprise, given Al-Meer's relatively short tenure and the lack of a transition period. The airline, owned by the Qatari government, has not provided a detailed explanation for the sudden change. Al-Meer, who was well-regarded for his positive impact on the airline's culture, did not provide a statement on his departure, fueling speculation about the reasons behind the leadership shift.