Shave makes the break from Gulf Air

Gulf Air has said goodbye to yet another senior manager - Lee Shave, executive vice president marketing suddenly left the Bahraini national carrier last month.

Although Gulf Air was unwilling to comment on Shave leaving, it is understood that his sudden departure was the result of an ongoing disagreement between Shave and the airline's board of directors over management practices.

The news follows the departure in July of former president and chief executive Andre Dose from the ailing carrier after a six-month stint.

The carrier maintains it is streamlining its management structure to enhance operational efficiency and put in place a smooth chain of command as the airline continues to enforce its realignment programme.

"We are well under way in implementing our plans as we continue building a successful team to see Bahrain's flag carrier soar to new heights," said acting president and chief executive Björn Näf.

"It is important to have the right team in place for our plans to succeed and we are making the necessary alignments as we continue on our way forward. We have some very seasoned people joining us both locally and from outside the Kingdom to take over certain crucial areas of the business."

Bahraini lawyer Nabeel Mohammed Saeed joined Gulf Air as executive vice president legal and corporate affairs, and another Bahraini, Ahmed Al Banna, a senior Labour Ministry official, will soon be assuming the position of vice president human resources.

Gulf Air has also appointed Christopher Cain as vice president flight operations who previously worked for Emirates Airline, as well as Paolo Fitze, a former Etihad Airways employee who joins as vice president safety.