Pieter Elbers exits as KLM CEO

The exit of the popular Dutch CEO of KLM is being viewed as a move by the senior partner in the Air France-KLM merger to control things from Paris. There is tension in the air and KLM employees are wary of losing turf. A special report

Pieter Elbers, the popular CEO and President of KLM will leave his post next year after the airline’s board decided against renewing a third term for him. “In view of the expiration of his second term, which provides the Supervisory Board a natural moment for consideration, we have, after consultation with Pieter, concluded not to enter into a third term. The continuity of KLM’s leadership greatly benefits from being able to establish this at an early stage. It enables 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,” Cees’t Hart, Chairman of the KLM supervisory board said in a statement

“With 30 years at KLM, 11 years on the board of management 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,” said Hart as he tried to explain Elbers surprising exit and added, “the restructuring plan has largely been implemented, which positions KLM well for recovery and further development.”

“I am handing over the baton with full confidence. It goes without saying that I am committed to supporting KLM in this transition to new leadership. I am extremely proud of this company and its fantastic employees. Especially in these hectic and difficult times, they remain the strength of KLM,” Elbers said.