Wizz Air has announced a major restructure of its senior management team in the UK as the airline plots significant expansion at its Luton base.
The pan-European low-cost carrier says its wholly-owned UK-licensed airline, Wizz Air UK, was becoming “increasingly significant” within the group.
By the end of the year, Wizz says it expects to grow its Luton-based fleet of new Airbus A320 and Airbus A321 aircraft to nine, while staffing numbers will increase to almost 350.
Its growth it says has necessitated high-level change at the carrier, including the creation of a new chief digital officer role.
Joel Goldberg, senior director technology Europe for sportswear brand Nike, has been appointed to the role and will take up his position on October 1.
Elsewhere, chief corporate officer Owain Jones has been promoted to managing director Wizz Air UK, effective from September 1.
Head of legal Marion Geoffrey has been promoted to chief corporate officer to replace Jones, also effective from September 1.
Jozsef Varadi, Wizz Air chief executive, said: “The world around us and our customers are becoming ever-more focused on digital channels and technologies.
“Joel Goldberg’s appointment will ensure Wizz Air’s digital development not only keeps up with, but also anticipates the future needs of our customers - as well as improving efficiency across the business as we continue our mission to become the undisputed cost-leader among European airlines.”
Varadi added the airline was committed to growing its presence in the UK.
“We remain highly driven by the market opportunities for the Wizz brand and customer proposition in the United Kingdom,” he said.
“As a result, we continue to invest by building our network and operations as well as enhancing our leadership and organisational capacity in the country.”