LONDON (ShareCast) - European aircraft giant Airbus has appointed a former senior executive of French defence group Thales as the new boss of its UK business.


Airbus said 48-year-old Paul Kahn, who was previously president and chief executive of Thales Canada, would replace Robin Southwell as president of Airbus Group UK from the start of next month.

The Toulouse-based jet manufacturer said 54-year-old Southwell had decided to stand down after more than nine years in the role to pursue new business opportunities outside the group.

Airbus said Southwell had overseen the award of the FSTA tanker programme to the Airbus-led AirTanker consortium, the entry into service of the A380 superjumbo and had significantly influenced many programmes including the A400M military transporter and the strengthening of Airbus Group UK's position in space and helicopters.

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