The second meeting of the EASA Management Board for 2023 took place at the headquarters of the European Aviation Safety Agency in Cologne on 12 & 13 December 2023. Greece, as a member of the Management Board, was represented by the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority Governor, Dr. Christos Tsitouras.

During the meeting, the new Executive Director of EASA, Mr. Florian Guillermet, originated from France, was elected, following a vote by the members of the Management Board. The submission of nominations for the position of Head of EASA follows an open and transparent procedure launched by the European Commission, while the final selection is made by the vote of the members of the Management Board.

The selected candidate will replace Luc Tytgat, who is currently serving as Acting Executive Director. Tytgat took over as head of the Agency on September 1, 2023, succeeding Patrick Ky, who vacated the Executive Director post on August 31 when his 10-year mandate expired.

Guillermet is currently the Director at DSNA, the Air Navigation Services Provider designated by the French State. He has over 26 years of aviation experience, with a particular emphasis on Air Navigation and Air Traffic Management. He is a graduated engineer from Ecole Polytechnique and has a specialised Master Air Transport Management and Aeronautics.

“I am honoured to have been selected to take over the leadership of EASA, which has gained a strong reputation in its 20 years’ existence for its professionalism and expertise,” Guillermet said. “EASA will have an instrumental role in accompanying the transition to greener aviation while maintaining the sector’s strong safety record. I look forward to steering the Agency through these challenges and to building a positive, multicultural working environment on a basis of trust and transparency.” 

The next step is for the selected candidate to make a presentation to the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN). This is currently expected to take place on January 22, 2024, and a notice of formal appointment to the role is planned for February 15. The actual start date remains to be confirmed.

EASA is the centerpiece of the European Commission’s aviation strategy, with primary responsibility for aviation safety and additional important responsibilities for promoting sustainability and innovation in civil aviation.