Airbus names new US chief

European aircraft maker Airbus today named Barry Eccleston as the new head of Airbus North America Holdings, its US subsidiary.

As president and CEO of the US business, Airbus said Eccleston will oversee all the company’s activities in the US and Canada, reporting to Toulouse-based Chief Operating Officer John Leahy.

Eccleston, 58, joined Airbus from Honeywell Inc., where he served as vice president and general manager of the aircraft engines division. He succeeds Henri Courpron, who is taking up a position as executive vice president at Airbus’ headquarters in Toulouse.

Announcing the appointment, effective immediately, Airbus President and CEO Gustav Humbert said Eccleston is “an insider who knows the aviation business well, be it on the industry front or our customers’ side.”

Airbus is 80% owned by European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., and Britain’s BAE Systems PLC holds the remaining 20%.