Former IAG Cargo chief executive Steve Gunning is to be the chief financial officer at the group whose carrier’s include British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus and Vueling.

Gunning, who stepped down from his IAG Cargo role in January 2016 to become chief financial officer at British Airways, will also become an IAG board executive director.

He replaces Enrique Dupuy, who has been IAG chief financial officer since the group was founded in January 2011.

Willie Walsh, IAG chief executive, said: "I'd like to welcome Steve to his new role. His appointment serves as evidence of the strength and depth of the IAG leadership team."

Dupuy said: "After eight years as CFO of IAG and prior to that, 20 years as CFO of Iberia, I believe now is the right time for me to leave IAG. I'm proud of my part in creating and developing IAG. I'm delighted that Steve is taking over as CFO. We have worked together for a number of years and I wish him well in his new role."

Gunning joined British Airways in 1998 and, before becoming managing director of British Airways World Cargo in 2007, was the airline's finance director and head of internal control.