On September 27, 2018, the Air France Board of Directors accepted Franck Terner’s resignation from his position of Air France CEO. Following Air France-KLM Board of Directors favourable vote[1], Benjamin Smith was appointed as Air France CEO for a transitional period ending no later than December 31, 2018.
Anne-Marie Couderc, Chairman of the Air France-KLM and Air France Boards of Directors, stated: “I applaud the work carried out by Franck Terner, an accomplished air transport professional, over his 36-year career with the Group. Benjamin Smith’s priority will be to define Air France’s short and medium-term strategic vision, find a solution to salary issues and set up a new company governance structure.”
Benjamin Smith stated: “I wish to thank the Air France Board of Directors for its trust. I commend Franck Terner’s personal investment in the company. Air France, part of the Air France-KLM group, has everything it needs to become one of the world leaders in the sector again. I am well aware of company employees’ expectations, including salary issues. I wish to offer a new approach. Following my first work meetings with Air France teams and union representatives, I am fully confident in our ability to build together the future and the success of Air France.”
[1] The representative of Delta Air Lines was said to disagree, being against a double function. He wanted to separate the functions. Former Brussels Airlines CEO was mentioned as a possible CEO for Air France.