Florian Guillermet has been selected as the future Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, following a decision by the Agency’s Management Board.
EASA Management Board selects Florian Guillermet as future EASA Executive Director
“I am pleased to announce that we have selected Florian Guillermet as the Executive Director of EASA,” said Piotr Samson, Chair of the EASA Management Board and President of Civil Aviation at the Polish Civil Aviation Authority. “I have known Florian for many years and deeply respect his operational knowledge of aviation as well as his high-level strategic thinking. I am sure that, under his leadership, EASA and the European aviation community will grow and prosper even further.”
Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission, said. « Ensuring the highest levels of safety in the sky will always be our top priority, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency continues to lead efforts to keep passengers safe. I am very pleased with the selection of Florian as the future Executive Director of EASA. Based on his impressive track record, I can be very confident that the future of aviation safety in Europe and beyond is in capable hands. I look forward to our continued cooperation!”
Guillermet presently serves as the Director at DSNA, the Air Navigation Services Provider appointed by the French State. With over 26 years of experience in aviation, he places a specific focus on Air Navigation and Air Traffic Management.
From 2014 to 2021, he held the position of Executive Director at SESAR Joint Undertaking, having joined in 2012 from EUROCONTROL, where he assumed various roles since 2004. Earlier in his career, he occupied roles at the French Civil Aviation Authority (Direction générale de l’aviation civile (DGAC)) and Air France.
He is a graduate of Ecole Polytechnique with a specialized Master’s degree in 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 appointment is the result of a transparent process initiated by the European Commission, involving an initial screening to identify the candidate with the most merit, competence, and relevant experience in civil aviation. A list of potential candidates was then submitted to the EASA Management Board for their final decision.
The Management Board’s selection process concluded in Cologne on December 13.
The next phase involves the chosen candidate presenting to the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), currently scheduled for January 22, 2024. Formal appointment to the position is anticipated by February 15, with the specific start date yet to be confirmed.
The individual chosen for the position will take over from Luc Tytgat, currently serving as the Acting Executive Director. Tytgat assumed leadership of the Agency on September 1, 2023, succeeding Patrick Ky, who concluded his 10-year tenure as Executive Director on August 31.
EASA stands at the forefront of the European Commission’s aviation strategy, ensuring the safety of air travel for passengers and addressing their expectations comprehensively. Beyond its primary role in aviation safety, the Agency has an extensive mandate to enhance the sustainability of aviation, recently expanded through new responsibilities under the RefuelEU legislation, particularly in the advancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. EASA actively supports innovation in areas such as Drones and Urban Air Mobility, marking its 20th anniversary in 2023.
