KLM CEO exits Kenya Airways board

KLM president and chief executive Peter Elbers has stepped down as a director of national carrier Kenya Airways.

Mr Elbers who joined the board of directors in 2013 cites an increased workload with the Dutch carrier that has made it necessary to relinquish his position on the board.

He previously served on the airline’s corporate governance committee and the ad hoc strategy and business development committee.

Jos Veenstra who currently serves as KLM’s vice president for mergers acquisitions and holdings will replace him.

Kenya Airways Chairman Michael Joseph said the outgoing director had proved crucial in enhancing the business partnership between the two airlines.

“We recognize the outstanding contribution from Mr Elbers and in particular his support in ensuring and facilitating the positive enhancement of the strategic business relationship between Kenya Airways and KLM,” Mr Joseph said in a statement.

Kenya Airways entered into the joint venture deal with KLM, which owns a 26.7 percent stake, in 1996 in a bid to get access to international routes and leverage on KLM’s vast experience in the aviation sector.

Mr Elbers exit however comes at a time there have been calls to relook the joint venture agreement in an effort of getting a strategic partner to steer Kenya Airways back to profitability.

Mr Joseph had in November last year engaged with KLM over possibility of renegotiating terms of the agreement.

He at the time however ruled out termination of the JV.

The Kenya Airways chairman and chief executive officer Mbuvi Ngunze are expected to give an appraisal of the airline’s turnaround plan, Operation Pride by the end of the week.

Tags:

Kenya Airways Aviation KLM Michael Joseph Mbuvi Ngunze Joint Venture restructuring commercial viability board of directors Dutch carrier operation pride airline international routes Jos Veenstra Peter Elbers

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