Iberia CEO Quits as British Airways Talks Drag On

Carrier Cites Personal Reasons for Departure; Choice of Dealmaker as Successor May Aid Push to Finalize Merger

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BY JASON SINCLAIR

MADRID -- Iberia Líneas Aéreas de España SA on Thursday announced a management shakeup, saying that Chairman and Chief Executive Fernando Conte has resigned for personal reasons.

Spanish flagship carrier and ex-chief executive of Spanish tobacco company Altadis SA.

The move, which comes after nearly a year of protracted merger talks between Iberia and peer British Airways PLC that began last July, could give a push to efforts to finalize a deal.

Mr. Vazquez has experience as a dealmaker. As CEO of Altadis, he ...

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