The new CEO of BMI is to be Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, currently CEO of India's Jet Airways, the UK airline has announced. He replaces Nigel Turner, who will become deputy chairman.
Prock-Schauer's appointment - he becomes deputy CEO on 1 November before succeeding Turner on 1 December - follows Lufthansa's takeover of the UK carrier earlier this year.
The new CEO "will drive forward the turnaround of BMI", says Stefan Lauer, BMI's chairman. "We are delighted to have gained Wolfgang Prock-Schauer as precisely the right person for that challenge. We are installing a proven aviation expert with international experience. Latterly at Jet Airways, he has shown how a company can be successfully positioned and operate in a challenging environment marked by strong competition."
Turner adds: "I have known Wolfgang for some years; he is well-respected in the industry and is a true professional. For me it is time to move on and I am happy that Lufthansa has given me a challenging role whilst at the same time accommodating my personal requirements."
Prock-Schauer, an Austrian, began his career at Austrian Airlines (AUA) in 1981 and was one of the senior team responsible for the integration of Lauda Air into AUA. Following several senior executive positions at AUA, he became CEO of Jet Airways in June 2003. During his period in charge, Jet has expanded rapidly from being a purely domestic Indian carrier into worldwide operations.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
