O’Hare, who joins from his position of president and chief executive of private jet company Royal Jet will have responsibility for developing the airline's marketing strategy, and for driving its commercial strategies, brand management, communications, and product and service development.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways president and chief executive officer, described O'Hare as one of the world's "outstanding marketeers".
“Having delivered highly successful airline and alliance strategies again and again. He also has an astute commercial understanding, further honed during his successful and profitable leadership of Royal Jet.
“As Etihad Airways extends its reach into new markets, we want to take our brand positioning and marketing strategy up another level. Shane is the ideal leader for that role.”
O’Hare began his career with Qantas Airways, before founding a regional airline and tourist operation, Seair Pacific.