Nathalie Tarnaud Laude is to be the new chief executive of European airframer ATR from mid September, succeeding Stefano Bortoli  who will take on a new leadership role at Leonardo.

Tarnaud Laude is currently NHIndustries’ president and senior vice president, heading the NH90 Programme for Airbus Helicopters. Prior to this, she held various senior positions at Airbus in strategy, programme, technology and finance. ATR said she brings strong strategic and leadership skills, as well as programme execution experience, essential to continue developing ATR as a leader in sustainable regional aviation. She joined Airbus in 2005 and holds a MBA from London Business School.

Tarnaud Laude said: “I thank Stefano for his strong leadership in preserving ATR’s market position and financial situation, while at the same time maintaining its highly skilled workforce in the unprecedented times of Covid, and preparing the grounds for the future of ATR. I am honoured to join such an exceptional team of passionate and professional individuals, and I look forward to working with all ATR employees, existing and new customers, and our shareholders, to bring the company to the next heights. You can count on all my energy and enthusiasm to continue the ATR extraordinary success story.”