Yesterday, KLM’s Supervisory Board unanimously approved the non-renewal of Pieter Elbers as CEO of the airline, in what the company defined as a decision taken in consultation with the executive.
Thus, one of the pillars of both KLM and the Air France-KLM group (although with all the differences he may have had in recent years) will leave his post on May 1, 2023, or even earlier in case the global search for his replacement is successful before that date.
As reported by Dutch media, citing sources close to the matter, this task already started several months ago while negotiations were taking place between Elbers, members of the Board of Directors and the Dutch state, which owns a 14% stake in the group.
Thus they also highlight his tense relationship with Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, since he took over in that position in 2018 replacing Jean-Marc Janaillac, due to different strategic visions on the functioning of the group and his tendency to undermine the independence of KLM in pursuit of, they accuse from the Dutch side, favoring the interests of France, even when Air France has proven to be the least efficient and most problematic leg of this society during the last 15 years.
With its characteristic diplomacy, KLM issued a statement today in which Cees ‘t Hart, chairman of the airline’s Supervisory Board, said that «in view of the end of his second term, which offers the Supervisory Board a natural moment for reflection, we have come, after consultation with Pieter, to the conclusion not to initiate a third term. The continuity of KLM’s leadership benefits greatly from being able to establish this at an early stage. It allows us to initiate a thorough succession process and also to offer a new CEO a sufficient induction period. It is also a time when the restructuring plan has largely been implemented, which positions KLM well for recovery and further development. With thirty years at KLM, eleven years on the Board of Directors, including two terms as CEO, Pieter has an enormous track record and significance for KLM. Partly for this reason, it is important that we are able to achieve a smooth leadership transition.»
Elbers said, «It goes without saying that I am committed to supporting KLM in this transition to new leadership. I am very proud of this company and its fantastic employees. Especially in these hectic and difficult times, they continue to be the strength of KLM. My thirty-year career with the blue KLM family has been an unimaginably beautiful journey that I will always cherish. I very much enjoy the cooperation with my colleagues and look forward to the next period.»
Representing the group, Ben Smith said he was «grateful for the spirit in which this process has been conducted» and to know that he can count on «his commitment and that of the entire KLM team to ensure a smooth leadership transition with his successor.»
