Etihad Airways’ James Rigney Named Middle East Chief Financial Officer of the Year

Etihad Airways’ James Rigney has been named the Middle East Chief Financial Officer of the Year by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), one of the world’s leading professional membership organisations for the accountancy and finance profession.

The CFO of the Year Award is open to finance professionals who have consistently complemented and supported the CEO’s and board’s vision and strategy, contributed to financial growth during the year and shown commitment to increasing shareholder value.

Mr Rigney won the award after a year in which Etihad Airways delivered US$ 4.8 billion in revenues and tripled net profits, to US$ 42 million, in only the ninth year of operation. The airline now has a portfolio of more than 60 national and international financial institutions, providing more than US$ 7 billion in financing. In the last 12 months, it has taken minority equity stakes in Air Serbia, Jet Airways and Darwin Airline, adding to previous investments in airberlin, Air Seychelles, Aer Lingus and Virgin Australia.

“I am honoured to accept the ICAEW Middle East CFO of the Year award on behalf of the much wider team, within Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi Government and our financial advisors, particularly PwC and KPMG, who have helped us deliver over the seven years and, in particular,” over the last 12 months, said James Rigney. “As we look ahead, we know that we must redouble our efforts, as Etihad Airways and its partners enter a period of even greater growth.”

Last month, Etihad Airways announced orders for up to 199 aircraft and 294 engines, worth $67 billion at list prices, to support its strategic growth plan for the next decade.