Fiji Airways new managing director and chief executive, Stefen Pichler who commences his role from September.
By RACHNA LAL
After an extensive global search, the Fiji Airways board has appointed Stefan Pichler as our national airline’s new managing director and chief executive.
Mr Pichler is currently finishing off his term as the chief executive of Middle-Eastern Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways.
His appointment comes into effect from September 1 and until then, Aubrey Swift will continue acting as chief executive.
Mr Pichler is said to have led Jazeera Airways in the last four years to a remarkable turnaround, achieving the highest operating profit margins in the industry in 2011 and 2012.
He was recently awarded the “Personal Achievement of the Year Award 2012” by Business Aviation for the Jazeera Airways turnaround.
Mr Patel, in a statement, said Mr Pichler is a proven chief executive with a strong track record in turning businesses around and growing them to new levels.
“He has extensive global experience not only in all airline business models, but also in the tourism industry,” he said.
Mr Pichler said he was excited to join Fiji Airways on the road ahead to build a bright future based on a strong brand and a dedicated team.
“Together, we will build a company which every Fijian can be proud of,” he said.
Other achievements
Mr Pichler was also responsible for Virgin Blue’s transformation from a low cost carrier to a network airline and served as their chief commercial officer.
He also launched Virgin Blue’ s long haul carrier V Australia in 2008 and served as its chairman.
Mr Pichler was also formerly the chairman and chief executive of Thomas Cook AG, where he built the company from a national German tour operator to the world’s second largest leisure group.
He has also held senior and executive board roles with Lufthansa AG.
Getting the right person
The Attorney-General and Minister for Civil Aviation, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, labelled the appointment as a remarkable confluence of the right person in the right place at the right time.
“Mr Pichler’s distinctive career experience and outstanding accomplishments established him as the best possible fit for chief executive of Fiji Airways,” he said.
“We are confident that under his leadership, Fiji Airways will continue to modernise, grow and prosper as we move forward into the future in this significant new chapter in the history of Fiji Airways.
“Mr Pichler is taking charge as the momentum for progress is already in place—a solid partnership among all the staff of the airline, all interested in the same thing—the continued success of Fiji Airways.”
Mr Patel assured Mr Pichler of the full support of the board and experienced management team and also thanked Mr Swift for acting as the interim chief executive.
Benchmark by Pflieger
Under the leadership and guidance of the former chief executive, Dave Pflieger, our national airline saw a big turnaround having reported an operating profit of $16.5 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012.
This is in comparison to an operating loss of $3.7 million for the March 31, 2011 financial year and its biggest ever operating loss of $91.8 million three years ago.
Mr Pflieger has therefore set a benchmark with this and the successful restructure, rebranding and fleet upgrade and replacement.
About the new chief
Mr Pichler joined Jazeera Airways K.S.C., a public-listed airline on the Kuwait Stock Exchange, in June 2009 as the chief executive.
He launched a successful turnaround programme in the same year and since July 2010 the company has returned to sustainable profitability with 12 consecutive quarters of record profits until today.
The company achieved the highest operating profit margins in the global industry with 25 per cent in 2011 and 30 per cent in 2012.
Mr Pichler was responsible for the turnaround and of the future growth strategy of one of the few profitable and privately-owned regional airline groups.
Since 2004, Mr Pichler was part of Richard Branson’s senior management team.
He was responsible for Virgin Blue’s transformation from a low cost carrier to a “new world” network airline.
Virgin Blue became one of the most profitable global airlines in 2006 and 2007 with a double digit profit after tax margin.