KLM Royal Dutch Airlines today announced that its Supervisory Board has approved the proposed appointment of Wiebe Draijer as its chairman. The appointment is made on the recommendation of the works council. Mr Draijer’s appointment is subject to approval by the KLM’s shareholders’ meeting of 24 April 2024.

Wiebe Draijer (58) will succeed Cees ‘t Hart who served on the board for 11 years, initially as supervisory director and since 2019 as chairman. Mr Draijer is a highly experienced director, serving as chairman of Rabobank’s supervisory board from 2014 to 2022. From September 2012 to September 2014, he served as chairman and crown member of the Social and Economic Councils, and before that he served as director of the Benelux region at McKinsey. Mr Draijer will also join the board of Air France-KLM.

“Cees and I have worked together in a very successful and constructive manner during the past period. For 11 years, he has displayed great fortitude in leading KLM through ups and downs. During KLM’s recovery after Covid‑19 – which presented new opportunities and challenges – his extensive experience as a director made him the ideal sounding board. I wish him all the very best for the future. I am pleased we have appointed Wiebe as a worthy successor. I look forward to working with him." - Marjan Rintel, CEO KLM„

“I thank KLM’s Board of Managing Directors and Supervisory Board and Air France-KLM for the productive cooperation over the years. With his experience, capabilities and drive, Wiebe will make an excellent successor. I am convinced he will be a valuable asset to the board and I wish him the best of success." - Cees 't Hart, chairman of the KLM Supervisory Board„

“KLM is an airline that takes the lead in many fields. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to a strong and sustainable future for the company as chairman of the Supervisory Board. This is a journey I look forward to undertaking with KLM and Air France-KLM." - Wiebe Draijer„