In its meeting Wednesday, the Cargolux International Airlines S.A. board of directors appointed Dirk Reich as president and CEO, effective Wednesday.
Reich replaces Richard Forson, senior vice president and member of the executive committee, who had assumed the role of interim CEO on Aug. 3, 2012. Forson will continue to serve as senior vice president and CFO.
Reich has previously been a member of the management board and executive vice president at Kuehne + Nagel International AG. Prior to joining Kuehne + Nagel, Reich held various positions with Lufthansa AG and VIAG AG.
“Drawing on his vast worldwide experience in the industry, Dirk brings to Cargolux the experience and leadership required to meet the major challenges confronting the airfreight industry,” Paul Helminger, chairman of the board, said.
Reich will also assume the responsibilities of senior vice president sales and marketing while global executive search firm Spencer Stuart finds a permanent replacement.
“I am excited to take up my new role as CEO of such a reputable company, which is held in high regard by customers and competitors alike,” Reich said. ‘There will be challenges ahead, but I can rely on the support of a highly professional and engaged team and look forward to my new mission with great anticipation and confidence.”
Robert Song joins Cargolux as senior vice president Asia and Pacific and member of the executive committee, effective Wednesday. Prior to this, Song held senior management positions with Air New Zealand Cargo and AirBridgeCargo Airlines. Most recently, he was senior adviser to the Henan Civil Aviation and Investment Co. (HNCA), who is now Cargolux’s commercial partner.
Song will be responsible for maintaining and strengthening Cargolux’s market position in the Asia and Pacific region, including the development of the flight program between Luxembourg and Zhengzhou, China.
Cargolux also promoted Marcel Funk to senior vice president, head of flight operations, and Onno Pietersma to senior vice president maintenance and engineering, effective Wednesday. Both are also now members of the executive committee.