Originally Posted by
San Gottardo
- Pieter Elbers and Ben Smith don't like each other, and there was a possibility of PE's CEO-ship of KLM not being renewed, which people in the Netherlands were concerned about >> not an issue anymore, PE has been re-appointed as CEO of KLM, and is Deputy CEO of the group.
Les Echos reported yesterday that Elber's reappointment may not yet be a done deal in the light of the Dutch government's actions...
Selon nos informations, Bercy serait même prêt à bloquer la convocation de l'assemblée générale des actionnaires d'Air France-KLM, prévue en avril et qui doit notamment reconduire le mandat du président de KLM, Pieter Elbers, pour contraindre les Néerlandais à revenir à de meilleurs sentiments.
Originally Posted by
San Gottardo
So what's the actual problem, beyond all the blessed feelings and the posturing?
The problem is that KLM jumped into the marriage a few years after being jilted at the altar by BA. KLM was going through a rough patch and they needed a lifeline - any lifeline. (There was also a failed merger attempt with Alitalia around the same time but that's one they probably should never have contemplated)
Marry in haste...repent at leisure.
Tensions have always been present:
AF-KL tensions reach new high?
Joint Dutch-French study says AF-KLM is a failure
The Independent - British Airways and KLM abandon £4bn merger talks
Willie Walsh still rues not doing the deal with KLM - and supports Elbers at KLM.