Proactive Investors - Rolls-Royce (LON:RR) has appointed the former chief executive of Brazilian narrow-body civil jet maker Embraer (NYSE:ERJ) to its board.
Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva joins as non-exec on 1 September 2023, replacing former Pratt & Whitney staffer Paul Adams who is stepping down.
De Souza e Silva led Embraer through major strategic change, said Rolls, instigating successful innovation in product development and programmes, significant improvement in operational efficiency and supply chain optimisation and successful industry partnerships.
Rolls is going through a similar change under new chief executive Tufan Erginbilgic, while a lack of presence in narrow-body jets (such as Airbus 320neos) is repeatedly cited by analysts as a significant hole in its product suite.
Shares in the aero engine maker have taken off recently after the group indicated it would smash expectations in the first half of 2023 with the recovery in air travel starting to feed through into engine flying hours. Full interim results are due out tomorrow (3 August).
De Souza e Silva will sit on Rolls’ nominations, culture & governance committee and the safety, energy transition and tech committee.
Anita Frew, Rolls’ chair, said: "I am delighted to welcome Paulo to the Rolls-Royce Board. He has deep expertise in the aerospace industry, a broad international mindset and will bring a wealth of strategic, commercial and operational experience to our discussions."