European aircraft manufacturer Airbus has named Jürgen Westermeier as its new President and Managing Director for India and South Asia, effective September 1, 2025. He replaces Rémi Maillard, who will move into a global leadership role within Airbus. Westermeier will now lead the company’s expansion in India’s commercial, defense, and helicopter sectors, aligning closely with India’s Make in India strategy.
European aerospace giant Airbus has appointed Jürgen Westermeier as the new President and Managing Director for India and South Asia, with effect from September 1, 2025, marking a significant leadership transition for the company’s rapidly expanding regional operations.
Westermeier, currently Executive Vice-President and Chief Procurement Officer at Airbus, will succeed Rémi Maillard, who will transition into a global executive role as Executive Vice-President Engineering for Commercial Aircraft and Head of Technology at the company.
This leadership change signals Airbus’ growing strategic focus on the Indian and South Asian aviation markets, where demand for commercial aircraft, defense solutions, and rotorcraft is on the rise. In his new role, Westermeier will be responsible for overseeing commercial aircraft sales, expanding Airbus’ regional footprint, and driving key initiatives in services, engineering, digital innovation, and aviation training.
Airbus confirmed in a statement that Westermeier will also play a pivotal role in advancing its ‘Make in India’ commitment by supporting domestic manufacturing and supply chain expansion in line with India’s industrial vision.
Jürgen Westermeier will spearhead Airbus’ integrated business operations in India and South Asia and ensure continuity in the company’s localization and industrial strategy.”
Airbus
Background of the New Leader
Westermeier brings with him over two decades of experience, starting his career at BMW in 1998. He held leadership roles across purchasing, quality management, and supplier networks before joining Airbus in 2020 as its Chief Procurement Officer. His academic background includes a degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Karlsruhe, Germany.
As CPO at Airbus, he has been instrumental in developing procurement systems and nurturing global supplier partnerships, contributing to operational efficiency and cost management across the group.
Airbus’ Commitment to India
India remains a critical growth market for Airbus. According to the company’s official website, it employs over 3,600 people directly in India and supports more than 15,000 jobs through its domestic supply chain. The company’s operations span sourcing, engineering, innovation, maintenance, and pilot training, placing India as a central hub in its global strategy.
Airbus has already been a leading contributor to India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and is expected to further consolidate its presence through increased local sourcing, technology transfers, and strategic partnerships under Westermeier’s leadership.
With this strategic leadership shift, Airbus is poised to strengthen its foothold in South Asia’s fast-growing aviation sector, aligning innovation with regional development and industrial capabilities.
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