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Wolfgang Prock-Schauer appointed new CEO of bmi

Direct News Source

08-Oct-2009 Nigel Turner becomes Deputy Chairman.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, currently Chief Executive Officer of India’s Jet Airways, has been appointed deputy Chief Executive Officer of British Midland PLC (bmi), with effect from 1 November 2009. On 1 December 2009, he will succeed Nigel Turner as Chief Executive Officer of bmi. Nigel Turner will then become Deputy Chairman, of the bmi Board. A smooth and very cooperative change at the top is therefore guaranteed.

"Wolfgang Prock-Schauer will drive forward the turnaround of bmi. A successful turnaround is the basis for providing good future prospects for the airline, its staff and customers," says the Chairman of the bmi Board of Directors, Stefan Lauer, commenting on the appointment of the new CEO. "We are delighted to have gained Wolfgang Prock-Schauer as precisely the right person for that challenge. With Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, we are installing a proven aviation expert with international experience on the Executive Board of bmi," Lauer emphasised. "He has demonstrated his leadership and management qualities in a variety of senior executive positions. Latterly at Jet Airways, he has shown how a company can be successfully positioned and operate in a challenging environment marked by strong competition."

Nigel Turner, CEO of bmi, underlines: "I am very happy that Wolfgang Prock-Schauer is my successor at bmi. I have known Wolfgang for some years; he is well respected in the industry and is a true professional. For me it is time to move on and I am happy that Lufthansa has given me a challenging role whilst at the same time accommodating my personal requirements."

Nigel Turner has been with bmi for 22 years, the last five as Chief Executive Officer, previously Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining bmi Nigel worked in the retail and manufacturing industry. Nigel's new role will see him continue to sit on the NATS Board, chair Diamond Insurance and carry out various Ambassadorial roles within the organisation.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer was born in Waldviertel, Austria, in 1956. After graduating from the University of Economics and Business Administration in Vienna, he began his career at Austrian Airlines (AUA) in 1981. In top management at AUA from 1991, he was among, others, responsible for the integration of Lauda Air after its takeover by AUA and the accession of the Austrian carrier to the Star Alliance airline grouping. Thereafter at Austrian Airlines, he was Secretary General and Executive Vice President, Network Management, Alliances and Long-Term Planning. He also served on the Supervisory Boards of Tyrolean Airways and Austrian Air Transport. From 2002 to 2003, Wolfgang Prock-Schauer acted as Chairman of the Star Alliance Management Board.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer has been Chief Executive Officer of Jet Airways since June 2003. During his tenure, the Indian carrier expanded from a purely domestic airline into international operations, worldwide. It additionally completed a successful IPO in February 2005.

Wolfgang Prock-Schauer is married and has three children.