Aer Lingus CFO Nessa McNeela resigns after just over a year

Aer Lingus CFO Nessa McNeela resigns after just over a year
Leaving to take senior corporate role in London
Reid Moody appointed interim CFO from 1 October 2026
IAG demands 12pc to 15pc operating margin from brands
Airline announced plans to cut up to 500 jobs

Aer Lingus Chief Financial Officer Nessa McNeela has resigned after just over a year in the position. Her departure comes at a turbulent time for the International Airlines Group-owned carrier. McNeela is leaving the Irish airline to take up a new senior corporate role based in London. Reid Moody, Aer Lingus’s current Chief Strategy Officer, will take over as interim CFO starting 1 October 2026 while a permanent replacement is sought.

McNeela originally took over the role in August 2025, having previously served in senior financial positions across the wider IAG group including stints at British Airways and IAG Cargo. Her exit follows a demanding year marked by aggressive cost-saving mandates from parent company IAG, which demands a strict 12pc to 15pc operating margin from all its brands. During her tenure, the airline announced plans to cut up to 500 jobs including head office staff, pilots and cabin crew, sparking union backlash and tense negotiations.

Her resignation marks the latest executive shift for Aer Lingus, following the departure of Chief People Officer Anne Kiely late last year.