Daniel Mandelli Martin, chief executive of Brazilian airline TAM, resigned at the end of last week. The carrier cited "personal reasons" for his departure, which compounds the difficulties being encountered in the effort to merge TAM with Brazilian flag carrier Varig.
Despite denials from TAM, company sources say the negotiations to unite the airlines took their toll on Mandelli as resistance to the deal grew among company directors. This was reportedly exacerbated by the falling-out between Mandelli and Noemy Amaro, widow of TAM founder Rolim Amaro and controller of 91% of the carrier, over leadership of the merged airline.
Source: Flight International
