SAS CEO Anko van der Werff will step down from his position early in 2027 to join Air Canada, according to an official company press release. Van der Werff, who has led the airline since 2021, will remain in his current role during the transition period as the board begins its search for a successor.
Why is the SAS CEO leaving now?
Anko van der Werff informed the SAS board of his decision to accept a new leadership role at Air Canada, as stated in the company’s announcement. While the transition is scheduled for early 2027, the outgoing CEO described the decision as difficult. “I have greatly appreciated my time at SAS,” van der Werff said in the release.
Kåre Schultz, Chairman of the Board at SAS, confirmed the company’s regret regarding the departure. “We respect his decision, but naturally regret his departure,” Schultz noted. He credited van der Werff with providing “strong leadership and commitment” during a period the company characterized as a highly demanding transformation.
Under van der Werff’s leadership, SAS has undergone a significant reconstruction, including the largest aircraft investment in the company’s history with orders for up to 40 new Airbus planes.
What has been the impact of the current leadership?
Van der Werff arrived at SAS in 2021, a tenure defined by broad restructuring efforts. According to the company, these changes have yielded improvements in financial performance and punctuality. The airline has specifically highlighted its rise in global punctuality rankings, currently positioning itself as the world’s most punctual airline.
Beyond operational metrics, the airline has integrated into the SkyTeam alliance during his tenure.
How does this transition affect the airline’s future?
The departure marks the end of a specific recovery era for the airline. With the search for a successor now underway, the board faces the task of maintaining the momentum built through the recent Airbus fleet expansion and the shift into the SkyTeam network. Kåre Schultz emphasized that van der Werff will continue to fulfill his duties until the 2027 transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will Anko van der Werff leave SAS?
- He is set to leave his position as CEO in early 2027.
- Where is the CEO going?
- Van der Werff has accepted a new leadership role at Air Canada.
- Who will replace the CEO?
- SAS has announced that the board has initiated the process to find a successor, but no replacement has been named yet.
Keep an eye on official investor relations filings from SAS for updates regarding the leadership transition and potential shifts in fleet delivery schedules.
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