MTQatar - hello. Hope you are well.
I was initially very sceptical about the whole thing and have had everyone I know at QR denying all knowledge - even those who sit just a few metres from his seat.
However, one long standing QR Senior Manager has told me that he WILL be stepping down later in the year to oversee the new airport completion.
My guess is that he will develop a split role, still being involved with QR as well as the DIA, and obviously being close to the new CEO for a fairly long transition period.