Avianca Unveils Succession Plan Following CEO’s Resignation

Avianca, which is owned by Abra Group, has unveiled its plan for leadership succession following the announcement that the current CEO, Frederico Pedreira, will resign from his position on February 28, 2026.

On November 12, 2025, Avianca revealed that Gabriel Oliva, who is currently the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), has been appointed as the airline’s President. This role is newly established and will run concurrently with his existing responsibilities.

The airline aims to “further strengthen its leadership structure and ensure a seamless transition.” Oliva was officially named President on November 11, 2025.

When Pedreira departs in February 2026, the CEO position will remain under the oversight of Adrian Neuhauser from Abra Group. At that time, Oliva will retain his position as President, and a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be appointed.

Frederico Pedreira initially joined Avianca in 2021 as CCO and later took on additional responsibilities before becoming CEO.

“Leading Avianca has been an extraordinary honor and quite a journey,” Pedreira stated. “I am immensely proud of our team’s achievements and the evolution of the company. I am deeply thankful for everyone’s commitment to our mission and for making the usual remarkable. I trust that under Gabriel’s leadership and with our exceptional team, Avianca will continue to thrive and reach new heights.”

Under Pedreira’s guidance, Avianca expanded its network to encompass over 160 routes and 80 destinations, successfully transporting more than 38 million passengers in 2024.

“We are dedicated to fortifying Avianca’s leadership team while also implementing the succession plan aimed at nurturing our talent,” Neuhauser expressed gratitude towards Pedreira for his leadership and welcomed Oliva as the new President to carry forward the company’s momentum.

He added, “We are confident that as a united team, we will enhance our performance metrics, as well as the quality of our products and services, ensuring that customers consistently choose us for their travel needs. Avianca is entering this new era with a strong and stable foundation.”

Oliva has been with Avianca since 2021, initially serving as the CEO of Avianca Cargo before progressing to the role of CCO.

“I am incredibly thankful, excited, and motivated by this new role. Alongside Avianca’s more than 15,000 team members, we will diligently strengthen our company in partnership with Abra Group, solidifying our leadership in the region and continuing to attract passengers,” Oliva stated.

Avianca is recognized for operating one of the largest route networks in Latin America.