The Dutch airline KLM announced Thursday that its CEO Pieter Elbers will not be reappointed for a third term in May 2023, specifying that this decision was taken in consultation with the person concerned.
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Given the expiration of his second term, which provides the Supervisory Board with a natural moment of reflection, we have, after consultation with Pieter, decided not to begin a third term
," Cees't said in a statement. Hart, Chairman of the KLM Supervisory Board.
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After two terms, more than eight years, of leadership as CEO of KLM, I pass the baton with confidence
," said Pieter Elbers, quoted in the press release.
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My thirty-year career with the KLM Blue Family has been a journey of unimaginable beauty that I will always cherish
," he added.
Strategic differences have opposed Benjamin Smith, CEO of the Air France-KLM group, and Pieter Elbers.
The latter defended the autonomy of KLM, national flagship when Benjamin Smith wanted more integration with the French company.
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This process was carried out in a constructive spirit.
I thank Pieter for his commitment and I know I can count on him, as well as on all the KLM teams, to ensure the transition to his successor
,” said Benjamin Smith in a press release.