The Supervisory Board of KLM has nominated Marjan Rintel as the successor to Pieter Elbers as the airline’s new President and CEO. Ms. Rintel is currently the President and CEO of Dutch Railways, and previously worked for KLM for 15 years in various positions.
On Thursday (March 31, 2022), KLM Royal Dutch Airlines announced that the company’s Supervisory Board has nominated and approved the appointment of Marjan Rintel to succeed Pieter Elbers as the airline’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Elbers will step down by July 1st, 2022, after ensuring a smooth transition. Since 2014, Ms. Rintel has worked for Dutch Railways (NS), where she currently serves as President and CEO. Prior to joining NS, she worked for KLM in various positions for 15 years, including roles in operations, sales and marketing at KLM and Air France-KLM.
In Thursday’s announcment, KLM’s Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Cees ‘t Hart, said,
“We are delighted that Marjan will come on board as CEO on the 1st of July. With her broad managerial, commercial and operational experience, we are bringing in someone who is close to the staff and who, together with her team, will continue to shape the future of KLM as a customer-focused, sustainable and financially healthy company. We are convinced that her knowledge of the sector, her network and her experience in the political arena will contribute to this.”
Also commenting on the appointment, Air-France KLM’s CEO, Ben Smith, said,
“I am extremely happy to welcome Marjan to our team as the new CEO of KLM. I know that Marjan will succeed in making KLM even stronger by continuing to build on the Group’s strengths.”
KLM’s incoming President and CEO, Marjan Rintel, added,
“I am honoured to return to KLM and take over the baton from Pieter. His 30-year track record is impressive. Under Pieter's leadership, KLM found its way up and I will continue on that course. Aviation is in times of great and complex challenges. I am of the opinion that an indigenous Dutch company like KLM, just like NS, has a major role to play in these social and economic challenges. Fulfilling that role successfully will be my priority from day one.”
The Works Council has now been asked for advice on the intended nomination of Marjan Rintel as a Statutory Director of KLM, and the nomination will then be submitted to shareholders for approval at an extraordinary general meeting.
Source: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines