Swiss has recruited two further managing directors to complete a new executive structure designed to reduce the number of direct reports to chief executive André Dosé.
Ulrik Svensson, 42, takes up the role of managing director finance, joining from Esselte Group, the global office supplies manufacturer, where he was chief financial officer. Manfred Brennwald, 50, has been promoted from his position of deputy flight operations to that of managing director operations. They complete the new three-person management level under Dos‚, with the final post already filled by former Star Alliance chief Bill Meaney who is managing director commerce. He heads up strategy and network, product and services, sales and marketing and cargo.
Swiss decided to introduce the extra management level in September last year. Up until then, Dosé had nine executive vice-presidents reporting to him, in addition to other functions such as corporate communications and aeropolitical affairs.
Svensson's background as a business turnaround manager will be useful to Swiss, which is losing money and is in the middle of a major restructuring programme. Brennwald replaces Karel Ledeboer, chief operating officer at Swiss since August 2002, who has been acting head of engineering and flight operations. Brennwald was formerly a Swissair captain, before heading its training centre, and was made executive vice-president of operations in May 2001.
MARK PILLING LONDON
Source: Airline Business
