Brussels, 19 December 2005 – Aviapartner announces the appointment of Rob Kuijpers as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of the Aviapartner Group, effective 1 January 2006.
At the age of 67, Rob Kuijpers enjoys extensive experience in the aviation sector, holding top-level positions in the industry for over 16 years. He joined DHL as CEO for Europe and Africa in 1988 and was appointed CEO International in 1997. From 1988 he was also responsible for DHL subsidiaries like European Air Transport (EAT) and the hub activities in Brussels; from 1997 onwards he was responsible for all airline and hub activities of DHL International. He became Executive Chairman of the Board of SN Brussels Airlines in 2002 and Virgin Express in April 2005, until September 2005. Prior to joining DHL, he had been Managing Director for Continental Europe at Heinz Europe and was in 2001 the founding partner of KR Transatlantic Partners, an investment fund and consultancy that focuses on investing in American companies for subsequent expansion into Europe.
Rob Kuijpers’ appointment as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Aviapartner will support the further development ambitions of Aviapartner, the major passenger, ramp and cargo handling group in Europe.
Indeed, underlying growth in passenger numbers across Europe is expected to be in the region of 5%-7% per annum over the medium to long term. In cargo, the underlying growth in cargo volumes across Europe is expected to be around 6%-7% per annum. It’s in this overall context, and more specifically in the context of the expected further outsourcing of handling services by airlines, that Aviapartner intends to further grow its activities in Europe.
Theo Dilissen, CEO of Aviapartner commented: “We are delighted that Rob Kuijpers has decided to accept this position. We are convinced that his broad knowledge of the passenger and cargo airline industry will be extremely helpful to Aviapartner’s further development plans“.
Rob Kuijpers, Non-Executive Chairman, said: “I’m very happy to join a company with such an outstanding reputation and track record as Aviapartner. In the current passenger and cargo handling market, there is a tremendous potential for growth and we have a bright future ahead of us. I’m looking forward to working with Theo Dilissen and his management team on the further expansion of the Aviapartner Group.”
Mark Redman, Director 3i Europe plc Benelux, commented: “Through our unrivalled people network and sector experience we were able to introduce Rob Kuijpers as Chairman, and have great confidence of his future contribution to Aviapartner’s continued success via his experience and contacts.”
