Andrés Bianchi takes over from Cristián Ureta at LATAM Cargo

Andrés Bianchi is to take over as CEO of LATAM Cargo from Cristián Ureta.

Mr Bianchi is currently senior vice-president of sales for North America, Europe and Asia and takes over the top job on 15 April. Mr Ureta is leaving the airline after 11 years at the helm.

Mr Bianchi joined the group in 2001, in the finance department. After getting an MBA from the Wharton School of Business and working at McKinsey, he returned in 2010, joining LATAM Cargo in Miami. In addition to his current role, he served as VP finance and senior VP network. During his 12 years at LATAM Airlines Group, he has gained experience in both the passenger and cargo side of the business, which now gives him a comprehensive view of the company and the tools necessary to successfully lead LATAM Cargo, said the airline.

LATAM, along with other regional carriers, has suffered in recent years following a downturn in Brazil’s economy.

“We will focus on reinforcing LATAM Cargo’s competitiveness in order to maintain our leadership in Latin America. We plan to achieve this by continuing to support our customers closely, improving our product portfolio, and enhancing our productivity,” said Mr Bianchi.

This change is part of the restructuring process that LATAM Airlines Group and its affiliates are undergoing. It is aimed at building a simpler and more efficient organisation that can face complex macroeconomic scenarios and a more competitive environment, said the airline.