KLM will appoint Maarten Stienen as Chief Operating Officer (COO) with effect from 1 September 2022. Stienen has held various positions at KLM since 1998 and was most recently senior vice president of Hub Operations. Maarten Stienen started as a Management Trainee at KLM. He held various operational positions at home and abroad for eleven years, such as vice president Baggage and Turnaround Services, after which he became vice president Industrial Relations & HR. After two years as managing director of KLM Catering Services, Maarten made the switch to Hub Operations in 2020. His successor there will be announced later.
“I am pleased that we have found an excellent candidate internally for the position of COO. Maarten Stienen has a lot of experience, both in the operation and beyond. With his appointment, we strengthen the management team in terms of content and with experienced leadership. I look forward to working with Maarten to bring peace and stability to the organization together.”
The Supervisory Board will also nominate Maarten Stienen to the General Meeting of Shareholders for appointment to the statutory board of KLM. An extraordinary general meeting will be convened for this purpose. KLM's Works Council will be asked for advice on this nomination, according to the airline.
“Maarten Stienen has built up a great track record within KLM. His extensive experience in management and operations makes him the ideal candidate for this position. His appointment as COO provides a good basis for continuing to work on KLM's future. I am confident that the management team will jointly strengthen KLM's position. On behalf of the Supervisory Board, I wish Maarten every success in his new challenge”.
“The appointment as COO is an incredible honor and I am proud to be able to fill this position. It is a challenge, given the major operational issues we are currently dealing with. In the coming years, our colleagues and our passengers can count on me. I look forward to continuing to build the company we want to be with the team. A company that keeps its promise to the customer and society, that builds a more sustainable future, where you can work pleasantly, where you can be proud and which our customers choose wholeheartedly”.
