SkyTeam transitions from virtual entity to a centralized organization

SkyTeam announced today significant milestones in the creation of a new centralized organization for the alliance. Since naming a managing director in April 2009, SkyTeam has recruited six executives from its partner airlines to serve on the core management team and secured a location in Amsterdam for the company headquarters. While a key function of the management team is to collaborate on alliance business, the dedicated SkyTeam staff is also responsible for helping to enhance existing benefits, as well as develop new benefits for passengers.

“SkyTeam has operated as a virtual entity since its inception,” said Marie-Joseph Male, managing director, SkyTeam. “However, as the industry becomes increasingly complex and the alliance continues to pursue global growth, the transition to a central management structure remains a top priority. We have already made significant progress, and the alliance is working diligently to ensure the office is up and running no later than fourth quarter of 2009.”

SkyTeam’s core management team will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations of the alliance, including: marketing, sales, airport synergies and transfer product, cargo, advertising and brand, alliance operations, finance, corporate communications, and alliance administration.

Introducing SkyTeam Central Management Team

Six executives from partner airlines have been selected to serve on SkyTeam’s management team. This diverse, international, and multi-cultural team will work closely with Male and will be responsible for key areas of strategic importance to the alliance.

– Mauro Oretti of Alitalia has been named vice president, sales and marketing. Previously a SkyTeam manager and vice president of alliances for Alitalia, Oretti is experienced in alliance and partnership management. In his new role, he will be responsible for the development of SkyTeam products and services that bring added value to alliance passengers.

– Gordon Humpherys of Delta Air Lines has been named vice president, airport services. As director of north Atlantic operations for Delta’s subsidiary Northwest Airlines, Humpherys was responsible for airport customer service in Europe and India. He brings strong experience in operations, airline cooperation, cost control and change management, and will be responsible for rolling out collocation programs at airports worldwide.

– Ji-sung Hong of Korean Air has been named vice president, alliance operations. Hong previously served as a SkyTeam manager and is experienced in international affairs including bilateral alliances and SkyTeam, as well as airport customer services, sales, and marketing. He will be responsible for operations between current members, as well as coordinating membership requirements for the recruitment process.

– Min Zeng of China Southern has been named deputy managing director, membership development. Zeng has extensive experience ininternational affairs, government affairs, and alliances, and she played a leading role in China Southern’s membership process. She will be responsible for working with the SkyTeam steering committee to develop and implement strategic initiatives.

– Jean-Guy Lengline of Air France has been named vice president, support and services. Lengline has extensive knowledge of various sectors of the airline business. In this new position, he will be responsible for all staff support activities, such as human resources, finance and IT, as well as developing and providing project management training, expertise and support.

– Fatima da Gloria de Sousa of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been named director, brand and communications. Gloria-de Sousa has been an active member of SkyTeam’s advertising and branding team, and in this new role she will be responsible for further developing the SkyTeam brand through marketing and communications. She will also manage internal communications with member airlines.

“We were committed to identifying the right talent for each executive position and are proud to have created a uniquely international and multi-cultural team,” said Male. “This shows SkyTeam’s commitment to integrating the expertise of its partner airlines in the pursuit of the alliance’s business objectives,” he added.

Recruitment of professionals from within and outside of the SkyTeam alliance will continue as SkyTeam puts in place its team of approximately 20 employees with a broad range of professional experience.

New Alliance Headquarters

SkyTeam selected Amsterdam as the location for its global headquarters with offices at the World Trade Center Schiphol Airport.

Amsterdam offers a sophisticated corporate, legal, and regulatory environment with the best competitive advantage for SkyTeam. Amsterdam is centrally located in a time zone strategic to SkyTeam’s partners across the globe, and with a major SkyTeam hub at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, the offices are easily accessible.

“The transition to a centralized management structure will further support worldwide growth of the alliance today and for the future,” said Male. “We are excited to help drive forward SkyTeam’s initiatives and to continue to achieve success through the collaboration of all 10 alliance members.”