Kenya’s national carrier, Kenya Airways has appointed Sebastian Mikosz as the new managing director and CEO. The Polish national takes over from Mbuvi Ngunze with effect from June 1st as confirmed by the airline’s Chairman, Michael Joseph.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Sebastian Mikosz to the role of Group Managing and CEO with effect 1st June, 2017. Sebastian Mikosz has over 20 years of professional experience in executive management both in private and public sector,” Michael Joseph said.
The new CEO, who started his carrier in 1997, has also held positions of Director in Deloitte Business Consulting Warsaw Office and Vice President of the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency, a government agency responsible for attracting foreign investors to Poland.
He was also the CEO of esKy.pl, a leading central European online travel agency and LOT Polish Airlines,”Joseph said.
Michael congratulated the new appointee and promised the crew’s support. “We wish him every success as he assumes his new responsibility. We have no doubt that with support we will strive to greater heights.”
Mr Ngunze announced his resignation last November after a staff rebellion triggered by the slow pace of reform at the loss-making airline.
Mikosz’s appointment ends months of the global search for the airline’s CEO in a recruitment process by international firm Spencer Stuart. Ngunze headed the troubled airline for the past two years and was due for retirement in March.
The move is among several management changes that have taken place, to revive the loss making airline. Last year Michael Joseph was appointed new Chairman replacing Denis Awori who resigned following pressure from the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA).
However, Mr Mikosz has yet to comment on his appointment. Mr Ngunze will remain as an advisor to the airline for a further two months until some financial restructuring has been completed.
