Outspoken Airbus UK boss to go as group promotes from within

AIRBUS has shaken up its British leadership with boss Paul Kahn leaving the aerospace giant and Katherine Bennett promoted to the most senior role in the UK.

Mr Kahn – who held the title of chief executive and president of Airbus Group UK – is understood to have departed the business by mutual agreement.

He joined the pan-european aerospace group from Thales almost three years ago and was known for his outspoken manner, which left some in the Tolousebased business uncomfortable, although he was a popular and respected leader within the company.

Mr Kahn is also currently president of ADS, Britain’s aerospace and defence trade association, and was elected by the trade body’s members to serve a two-year term due to end in 2018 – a role it is understood he will retain despite his departure.

Airbus in Britain will now be headed by Ms Bennett, who will hold the post of senior vice-president. She was previously the group’s head of public affairs.

The company – which has about 10,000 UK staff and builds wings for its airliners in Broughton, North Wales – is currently restructuring to bring its airliner business and defence and space operations together under a single management line.

Ms Bennett will report directly to Tom Enders, Airbus chief executive.