#Brazil #São Paulo #GOL Linhas Aéreas #André Fehlauer #Albert Perez

Gol Linhas Aéreas Leadership Transition

Gol Linhas Aéreas, part of the Abra Group, is embarking on a notable leadership transition as it prepares for new strategic endeavors. Effective August 31, 2026, Celso Ferrer will step down from his role as CEO after more than 20 years with the airline. His decision opens the door for André Fehlauer to take the reins as the new CEO starting September 2026. Alongside him, Albert Perez will expand his responsibilities and now serve as President and COO of the airline.

Leadership Legacy

Celso Ferrer has played a crucial role in Gol's evolution, particularly during a transformative restructuring phase. Since his appointment as CEO in 2022, he has championed pivotal changes that fortified the company's financial and operational foundations. Ferrer's leadership has not only steered Gol through challenging times but also integrates the airline into the broader strategy of the Abra Group, which encompasses other prominent airlines. The company expressed gratitude for Ferrer’s contributions and guidance, acknowledging the robust culture and strong teams he fostered during his tenure.

New Directions

André Fehlauer is no stranger to Gol, having previously served as the CEO of Smiles, the airline's loyalty program, for eight years across Argentina and Brazil. His deep understanding of Gol’s operations and strategic vision positions him perfectly to continue building upon the strong framework established by his predecessor. Fehlauer’s prior experience also includes leading Livelo, another major Brazilian loyalty initiative, as well as significant roles at Citi and Credicard. His appointment is seen as a move to maintain continuity in leadership while strategically advancing Gol's mission.

Meanwhile, Albert Perez, who joined Gol in 2024, is credited with enhancing operational efficiency and implementing a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. His leadership has contributed significantly to Gol's standing in the Brazilian airline sector, recognized for top-tier on-time performance and best-in-class operational metrics. In his enhanced role, he will oversee daily operations, ensuring that Gol continues to deliver exceptional customer experiences as it grows its network, both domestically and internationally.

Vision for the Future

Adrian Neuhauser, CEO of the Abra Group, expressed confidence in the new leadership team. He emphasized Fehlauer’s extensive experience and Perez’s operational prowess as key assets that will drive Gol forward. Neuhauser reflected on Ferrer’s significant impact, asserting that the company is positioned for promising future growth under the new leadership structure.

In his farewell remarks, Ferrer noted the rewarding journey of his career at Gol, emphasizing the remarkable talent and dedication of the team. He expressed optimism about the airline’s prospects under Fehlauer’s guidance and Perez's operational capabilities.

About Abra Group

Abra Group consolidates leading Latin American airlines like Avianca and GOL, complemented by strategic investments in Wamos Air and prominent loyalty programs like LifeMiles and Smiles. The company boasts a diverse fleet of over 300 aircraft and a workforce of around 30,000 employees, serving more than 145 destinations across 25 countries. With a focus on synergy among its airlines, Abra continues to enhance its operational capabilities and customer services. For further information, visit Abra Group’s official website.

In summary, Gol Linhas Aéreas’ leadership transition signals a crucial step toward future growth and operational excellence, aligning with the overarching strategy of the Abra Group to bolster its position as a leading air transport provider in Latin America.