O’Keefe to Step Down As Airbus CEO

Sean O’Keefe will step down as Airbus Group, Inc., chief executive officer on March 1 so he can “fully address ongoing medical issues that remain from injuries he suffered in a 2010 aircraft accident that took the life of former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens,” Airbus Group spokesman Guy Hicks announced Tuesday. He will be succeeded by Allan McArtor, who currently serves as chairman of Airbus Americas, according to a company release. “Sean has made significant contributions to the Airbus Group during his tenure as CEO of EADS North America, now Airbus Group, Inc., for which I am extremely grateful,” said Airbus Group CEO Tom Enders in the release. “These included leading the company during the tanker replacement competition, increasing our reputation with the US Government and expanding our market presence in North America.” O’Keefe was appointed EADS North America CEO in November 2009. He was named chairman of the board in January 2011. Last month, the European consortium announced plans to restructure its core holdings in Europe and reduce some 5,800 positions in its defense and space divisions by 2016.