British Airways recruits KLM’s de Groot as new COO

British Airways has appointed KLM’s Rene de Groot as its new chief working officer (COO) as a part of a shake-up of its operations.

De Groot, who will be part of BA on 1 October, is at the moment COO on the Dutch airline. He is because of go away KLM on 15 July.

“We’re happy to welcome Rene de Groot to our senior administration committee group, who shall be becoming a member of us as our chief working officer,” mentioned a BA spokesperson. 

“As we navigate a particularly difficult interval for our trade, we’re utterly centered on three priorities: our prospects, supporting the largest recruitment drive in our historical past and rising our operational resilience to ship the absolute best expertise for our prospects.”

British Airways is splitting its present operations operate into two areas, technical and operations. Whereas de Groot will take care of operations when he joins within the autumn, present COO Jason Mahoney will tackle the position of chief technical officer.

De Groot, who first joined KLM as a pilot in 1990, was appointed COO in 2014 and has been a member of the airline’s statutory board of managing administrators since 2015. 

“After 32 incredible years at KLM, I’ve determined to unfold my wings and proceed my profession at British Airways as chief working officer,” mentioned de Groot.

“I realise that my departure comes at a turbulent time for KLM, however I go away the airline within the information that the highway to restoration has begun and that the organisation shall be ready to take action regardless of the persevering with challenges.”