WHY IT RATES: Rigail will take on the new role if approved by the board of directors. -Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer
Subsequent to the proposal of Benjamin Smith, CEO Air France-KLM, and the approval of the Air France-KLM Board of Directors, the Air France Board of Directors has appointed Anne Rigail as CEO of Air France, following their meeting on December 12, 2018.
Previously EVP Customer at Air France, Anne Rigail will assume her new role as CEO Air France on December 17, 2018, and will replace Benjamin Smith, who was appointed acting CEO of Air France through the end of 2018.
"I would like to thank Benjamin Smith for the outstanding work he has accomplished during his time as acting CEO Air France," said Anne-Marie Couderc, Chairwoman of the Air France-KLM Board of Directors. "Under his leadership, our airline has rapidly taken decisive steps, renewing constructive social dialogue, and proposing a new executive governance structure as seen with the arrival of Anne Rigail. I wish Anne every success in her new position, for the benefit of both Air France and the Air France-KLM Group. I am very pleased that she has accepted this very exciting new challenge."
"I am delighted that Anne Rigail is to become the new CEO of Air France," said Benjamin Smith. "Anne is a strong professional in the airline industry. Throughout her career, she has always paid particular attention to employees while implementing the many projects and transformations she has led, and placed the customer at the heart of everything she does. With the support and commitment of every single employee, I am confident we can rise to the challenges for Air France today, ensuring service excellence to all our customers. I have complete faith that Anne will succeed in transforming Air France. Together with Pieter Elbers, president and CEO of KLM, the Air France-KLM Group is taking an important step in its reorganization to reconquer its market position."
"I am extremely honored to become CEO of Air France," said Anne Rigail. "With over 27 years of experience in the service of our Group, I will continue to dedicate all my energy and effort into ensuring the success of my colleagues and of Air France. I have confidence in Benjamin's winning strategy and I share his enthusiasm in expanding the Air France brand around the world."
The Air France Board of Directors has also appointed Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith as a director of Air France and confirmed Anne-Marie Couderc as Chairwoman of the Air France Board of Directors.
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