Air Canada VP Ben Smith hired for the Air France - KLM CEO position
#1
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In the French newspaper, Le Monde, an article about Benjamin Smith considered for the role of CEO of Air France - KLM
https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/arti...0404_3234.html (subscribers) I don't have access to the full version but apparently he has been selected by the nominating committee.
https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/arti...0404_3234.html (subscribers) I don't have access to the full version but apparently he has been selected by the nominating committee.
Last edited by matthieugd; Aug 16, 18 at 11:46 am

#2
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The article suggests he is the only candidate being put forward by the nominating committee. It goes on to say that at the insistence of major shareholders Delta and China Eastern, the committee widened the selection to include foreigners, something unthinkable for the group in the past.
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#3
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And how is his French ?
otherwise NON-starter
otherwise NON-starter

#4
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#6
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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-a...-idUSKBN1KT12O
PARIS (Reuters) - Air France-KLMs (AIRF.PA) nominations committee has picked Benjamin Smith, Air Canadas (AC.TO) chief operating officer, as its preferred candidate to head the airline, French newspaper Le Monde reported on Wednesday.
Le Monde quoted an unnamed senior Air France-KLM official as saying that no decision had yet been taken and that the final decision lay with the companys board of directors.
PARIS (Reuters) - Air France-KLMs (AIRF.PA) nominations committee has picked Benjamin Smith, Air Canadas (AC.TO) chief operating officer, as its preferred candidate to head the airline, French newspaper Le Monde reported on Wednesday.
Le Monde quoted an unnamed senior Air France-KLM official as saying that no decision had yet been taken and that the final decision lay with the companys board of directors.

#7
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Wow! Ben Smith! This is a huge loss to AC.
He is a very clever, charismatic and respectfull executive (met him about 15 years ago, not too long after R. Milton moved from AC to ACE).
He is a very clever, charismatic and respectfull executive (met him about 15 years ago, not too long after R. Milton moved from AC to ACE).

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#10
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#11
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English Canada compares with say Franch-speaking Belgians. French and Quebecers with Dutch-speaking Belgians. Dutch are beyond that in that they are OK with a different language.

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#13
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If your colleague is a front line cabin staff member, then this sentiment is shared among several cabin crew members, and IMHO means Ben is doing something right. Also, because he is being considered for the Chief Executive role at Air France/KLM, his reputation must be solid based on his work at Air Canada.
If an executive at Air Canada has finally managed to kick Air Canada up its backside by changing the corporate culture (for the better for us passengers) then all the power and praise to him. I suspect given the unionized work environment of AF/KLM, perhaps that is why they are trying to poach him.
If an executive at Air Canada has finally managed to kick Air Canada up its backside by changing the corporate culture (for the better for us passengers) then all the power and praise to him. I suspect given the unionized work environment of AF/KLM, perhaps that is why they are trying to poach him.

#14
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There's a post stating it is in fact a "fait accompli." on another aviation forum by a somewhat respected/long term member not revealing sources.
How would this affect AC?
How would this affect AC?

#15
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Can't say I agreed with him on most things, but still pleased to see him get it. It's a big gig - he wouldn't have made it this far without earning it.
