Let's put someone in the position that is qualified, actually has some time on the airplane and is not getting the job simply because he was friends with the previous regime!
The current management must be an understanding lot if they are going to place a person of the previous regime into a key position. That actually sounds like a very mature attitude which must be refreshing for all you pilots at Etihad after all the complaints of the previous regime.
It is a promising sign for the future of Etihad!