Christoph Mueller will take over as new CEO of embattled Malaysia Airlines earlier than expected in order to oversee a ‘critical phase’ in its restructuring.
German national Mueller is currently in charge of Irish national carrier Aer Lingus, and will start the new role at MAS on May 1, becoming the first non-Malaysian to head the airline.
Current CEO Ahmad Jauhari Yahyal steps down on April 30, but will continue as a non-executive director until the end of 2015.
“The accelerated leadership transition will enable Mueller to be in a position to lead the overall MAS restructuring effort as it enters one of its most critical phases,” shareholder Khazanah Nasional Bhd said.
“We are pleased to welcome Christoph and look forward to his leadership, as the new managing director and CEO, in driving the effort to rebuild and restore our national icon to its rightful status,” a statement said.
The Malaysian Airlines ‘NewCo’ officially starts operations on Sept 1 and on June 1 selected staff will migrate to the new entity.
At the same time, as many as 6,000 employees will be given employment termination letters with a three-month notice period.
The lay-offs are a key element of the carrier’s goal to streamline its operations and return to profit.
