Air France-KLM Splits CEO, Chairman Roles

Air France-KLM said it “duly noted” Jean-Cyril Spinetta’s wish to separate the posts of chairman and CEO.

On Jan. 1, Spinetta will relinquish his CEO duties and remain chairman of Air France-KLM and Air France. Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, currently deputy CEO, will take over as CEO of Air France and Air France-KLM on Jan. 1. Leo van Wijk remains KLM’s chief.

“After 11 years as chief executive of Air France, and then Air France-KLM, I felt it necessary to propose an internal solution that would guarantee continuity of governance, in view of the difficult economic climate facing us,” Spinetta said in a statement.