The Supervisory Board of KLM has nominated Marjan Rintel as the new President and CEO of KLM. The Air France KLM Board of Directors has approved the nomination.

Rintel is currently President and CEO of Dutch Railways (NS), where she has worked since November 2014. Rintel is no stranger to KLM and, before joining NS, worked for the airline for 15 years in various positions, including operations, sales and marketing at KLM and Air France KLM.

Rintel will succeed Pieter Elbers, who will step down as President and CEO by July 1.

Cees 't Hart, Chairman of the Supervisory Board, said, on the unanimous nomination: “We are delighted that Marjan will come on board as CEO. 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.”

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France KLM, 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.”

Rintel noted: “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 of KLM has been approached for advice on Rintel’s nomination as Statutory Director of KLM. The nomination for the appointment will be submitted to shareholders for approval at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for this purpose. 

Vilakazi takes top spot at MTPA

The Board of the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced the appointment of a new Acting CEO, Mduduzi Vilakazi.

Vilakazi has served as Chief Financial Officer for the MTPA since October 2020.

“On behalf of the Board of the MTPA we are excited to appoint Mr Vilakazi to serve as the Acting CEO of the MTPA for a period of six months. We are confident that he will continue to ensure that there is stability within the entity and further take the entity to greater heights with the support of the Executive Management and the entire staff of the entity,” said Victor Mashego, Chairperson of the MTPA Board.

Vilakazi is taking over from Johannes Nobunga, whose five-year term came to an end in March.