Mr Philippe Vander Putten has decided to leave the management of Brussels Airlines
In full agreement with all parties, Mr Philippe Vander Putten has decided to leave the management of Brussels Airlines. The Board appoints Michel Meyfroidt and Bernard Gustin as Managing Directors.
The CEO and Managing Director of Brussels Airlines, Mr. Philippe Vander Putten, has decided to withdraw from the daily management of the company due to divergences of view concerning the repartition of roles at the top of the company. The Board thanks Mr. Philippe Vander Putten for the work done since his arrival, amongst other: the launch of Brussels Airlines, the introduction of the new concepts b.flex / b.light in Europe and the merger between the two operational companies.
The Board decided to appoint two Managing Directors, namely Mr. Michel Meyfroidt, at present Director and CFO of Brussels Airlines and Mr. Bernard Gustin, at present senior partner of the consulting firm Arthur D. Little.
Mr. Bernard Gustin has consulted Brussels Airlines since end 2001. He played a key role in the development and implementation of the business plan that gave birth to SN Brussels Airlines. He accompanied both SNBA and Virgin Express towards their merger. Mr. Bernard Gustin is a member of SN Airholding Bureau and is assisting the Brussels Airlines management on a regular basis.
Mr. Bernard Gustin will mainly assure the supervision of Strategic, Commercial, Network, Communication and IT matters. Mr. Michel Meyfroidt will mainly assure the supervision of Operations, Finance/Admin & Human Resources matters.
The day-to-day management of the Company is entrusted to the Management Committee, composed of the two Managing Directors and the main operational responsibles. Furthermore, a Strategic Development Committee consisting of the two Managing Directors, Mrs Ursula Silling (EVP Commercial), Mr Erik Follet (EVP Strategy and Business Development) and Mr. Rudi Nerinckx ( EVP Human Resources) is established. Mr Michel Meyfroidt will chair both committees.
The Board is confident that these decisions will allow Brussels Airlines to face the new challenges affecting the airline sector due to fuel price increases and a stronger competitive environment. The Board and the new Managing Directors are determined to meet the performance objectives set in order to ensure the further development of the company.
The new Managing Directors will take duty after the General Assembly of SN Airholding on the 11th of June 2008.