Samer Majali

Gulf Air names ex-Royal Jordian chief as CEO

Gulf Air has appointed Samer Majali as its chief executive officer.

Mr Majali, former chief executive of Royal Jordanian, will take over from current ceo Björn Näf. Gulf said Mr Näf was leaving after two years as ceo to pursue other interests.

During the transition Talal Al Zain, Gulf's chairman, will manage the business as temporary executive chairman.

Under Mr Majali, oneworld member Royal Jordanian became the first Middle Eastern airline to become part of a major global alliance.

Mr Majali has also served as president of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) and chairman of the International Air Transport Association (IATAThe International Air Transport Association: IATA represents and serves the airline industry, with a membership made up of around 230 airlines. The association seeks to raise awareness of how aviation benefits the economy, fight for airline's interests and ensure industry regulations are sensible. IATA helps its members directly by offering advice on reducing costs while improving efficiency and on improving safety standards. It also provides professional support in the form of publications, training and consulting. ) board of governors until June this year.

Mr Al Zain said he believed Mr Majali to be the right person to lead the restructuring of Gulf Air.

www.gulfair.com

Samer Majali