Business · Companies · 1 day ago
Grazia Vittadini is leading candidate to chair ITA Airways
Grazia Vittadini is the leading candidate to become chair of ITA Airways, Italy’s airline.
She is currently a board member and chief technology officer at Lufthansa, which owns 41% of ITA.
The Italian government holds the remaining 59%, and its nominee, Sandro Pappalardo, is the current chair.
Lufthansa plans to increase its stake to 90% in the first quarter of 2027, subject to European Union approval.
It has paid the Italian government 325 million euros as part of the process to raise its ownership.
If the change is approved, Lufthansa would have four of the airline’s five board seats, while the government would have one.
Vittadini’s appointment has not been decided, and Lufthansa has not commented.
Grazia Vittadini is reportedly the leading candidate to become chair of Ita Airways when Lufthansa increases its stake in the airline.
The decision is not final, according to three sources familiar with the discussions cited by Corriere della Sera.
Lufthansa is expected to reach a 90% stake in Ita in the first quarter of 2027, subject to European Union approval.
Vittadini, an Italian and Lufthansa Group’s chief technology officer, would replace current chair Sandro Pappalardo.
Lufthansa reportedly wants to preserve the Italian character of the chair role and have Vittadini work alongside Ita chief executive Joerg Eberhart.
- Who
- Grazia Vittadini, Lufthansa Group’s chief technology officer, is the reported frontrunner for Ita Airways chair.
- What
- She may replace Sandro Pappalardo as chair when Lufthansa increases its stake in Ita.
- When
- The change is expected when Lufthansa reaches a 90% stake in the first quarter of 2027, subject to approval.
- Where
- Ita Airways, an Italian airline.
- Why
- Lufthansa reportedly wants to preserve the Italian character of the chair role and have the chair support chief executive Joerg Eberhart.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Ita Airways became part of the Lufthansa Group, with Lufthansa holding a 41% stake.
Lufthansa exercised an option to increase its stake in Ita, paying €325 million to Italy’s economy ministry.
Corriere della Sera reported that Vittadini was the leading candidate for Ita’s chair, while noting the decision was not final.
Lufthansa is expected to receive EU approval to take control of Ita and increase its stake to 90%.
- Reported frontrunner
- Grazia Vittadini
- Current Ita chair
- Sandro Pappalardo
- Lufthansa’s current stake
- 41%
- Planned Lufthansa stake
- 90%
- Payment to Italy’s economy ministry
- €325 million
- Expected EU approval
- First quarter of 2027
Sources
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