Photo Caption: An SAS Scandinavian Airlines Airbus A350-900. Copenhagen Airport
Van der Werff has six months to hand over the keys, and by the time he does, the people choosing his successor may not be the people sitting on the board today.
LinkedIn X Facebook Email Gift How will the Danish government's 26% stake influence the final CEO decision? When is Air France-KLM's majority stake expected to receive final regulatory approval? What would appointing a Scandinavian versus a French or outside candidate signal about SAS's future autonomy? Select a question above or ask something else
Anko van der Werff's move to Air Canada, confirmed last week, opens the top job at SAS just as control of the airline changes hands. The Air France-KLM Group is on course to lift its holding in the Scandinavian carrier from 19.9% to 60.5%, subject to final regulatory approval.
That matters for who ends up in the chief executive's office. Copenhagen will retain influence as the Danish government is keeping its 26% holding, but it's likely most of the directors doing the choosing will soon answer to Paris.
This means the vacancy is really two decisions wearing one job title. SAS needs a CEO, and Air France-KLM needs to decide how it wants to run SAS. Van der Werff assured Skift last year that SAS would never become “Air France-KLM lite.” He won't be the one who has to keep that promise.
Will it be an insider who already knows how to work with senior management in Paris? Or will a hire with more local experience win the day? The names below reflect he
Jet Stream keeps you ahead of the fast-moving world of global airlines.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive email communication from Skift.
See more essential travel news in your search results.
Tags: air canada , air france-klm , airlines , easyjet , jet stream , sas
LinkedIn X Facebook Email First read is on us . Subscribe today to keep up with the latest travel industry news.
Subscribe now for complete access to Skift.com’s trusted coverage of the travel industry.
Enter your email for a complimentary article + exclusive offers.