Jazeera Airways announces new CEO for next phase of growth

Pichler joined Jazeera Airways on June 21 and according to the airline brings with him an impressive career earned at some of the world's most successful brands, including Lufthansa, Nike, Thomas Cook, and Virgin Blue.

The carrier says Pichler combines both extensive airline experience in major low cost carriers and in depth knowledge of global markets and brands.

He has formerly held non-executive directorship in major corporations including Deutsche Bank, Steigenberger Hotels in Germany, Grupo Iberostar in Spain and Thomas Cook in the UK and India. Stefan was also the Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cook where he built the company from a national tour operator to the world's second largest leisure group.

Jazeera Airways Chairman Marwan Boodai said:  “Stefan's joining of our team this week and the arrival of our 10th aircraft last Friday is no coincidence. Jazeera Airways has now entered into a new stage in its growth path and has become a major force in the airline industry in the Middle East. With this new stage we require a seasoned CEO with the right experience and leadership who will be able to take Jazeera Airways to new heights. I have full confidence in Stefan.”

Pichler's mandate is to develop and drive the future growth strategy, with total responsibility and accountability for Jazeera Airways' financial performance, commercial performance, and operational performance.

Stefan started his career as Head of Sport promotions at NIKE International in Beaverton/Oregon, and began his career in aviation in 1989 as the Marketing and Sales Manager for Lufthansa in France. By 1991, he was appointed as Managing Director of Lufthansa France and quickly climbed through the ranks to become Lufthansa's Executive Vice President of World Sales and Marketing by 1996 and a Member of Lufthansa's Executive Board in 1997.

For the past five years, Stefan served as Virgin Blue's Chief Commercial Officer, where he was responsible for Virgin Blue's evolution from a low cost carrier to a network airline. Stefan was also the Chairman of V Australia, the long haul division of Virgin Blue Airlines and holds a Master's Degree in both Economics and Law from Augsburg University.