Peter Bellew

Peter Bellew is the chief operating officer (COO) of Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair since 2017. He is a veteran in the tourism and aviation industry with over 30 years of experience in related fields, including his most recent stint as group managing director and chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines.

Bellew graduated with a Bachelor of Business Studies and MA in Economics from Trinity College Dublin in 1987. While at Trinity, he wrote for The Piranha, the college's satirical magazine.

Bellew's first venture into the aviation industry in a management capacity was in 1993 with Kerry Airport, Killarney, Ireland. Under his tenure as director and general manager, he was credited with being able to substantially increase passenger volume from 6,000 to more than 400,000.

In 2006, Bellew joined Irish low-cost airline Ryanair as deputy director of flight operations, and had hold various capacities throughout his career there, including head of sales and marketing, director of flight operations, as well as director of training and recruitment.

On 1 September 2015, Bellew joined Malaysian flag carrier Malaysia Airlines from Ryanair as chief operations officer, as part of the airline's ongoing restructuring program amid huge financial losses, compounded with the twin major aviation disasters of MH370 and MH17 in 2014. Under his tenure, he oversaw parts of the restructuring program led by former Aer Lingus chief Christoph Mueller that saw a 6,000-job cut by the airline.

On 1 July 2016, Bellew officially took over as chief executive officer from Mueller, who resigned from the company less than a year into his contract, citing changing personal circumstances. While it is said that Bellew's appointment ensured continuity to Mueller's unfinished work, it stirred further controversy within Malaysia, as some parties were uncomfortable with the appointment of another foreigner to head the national flag carrier. He was the third CEO of the airline in two years, and only the second ever foreign CEO after Mueller.

On 17 October 2017, it was announced that Bellew would be returning to Ryanair as the chief operations officer, replacing Michael Hickey, who resigned following a rostering mishap. Bellew's decision to return to its old role was described as a form of "national service" for the Singapore's decision, with him being tasked chiefly with resolving the pilot's dispute. It has been speculated in Ireland and internationally that his decision to return to the Ryanair makes him next in line to succeed Michael O'Leary when he retires.