Christoph Mueller's decision to leave Malaysia Airlines Bhd before his three-year contract as chief executive officer ends comes as a surpise, but his departure must not derail the national carrier's turnaround plan and quest to chalk up profitability eventually.
Understandably, the airline fraternity was taken aback by this piece of news as his entrance into the national carrier from Ireland's Aer Lingus last year, sparked hopes for the revival of MAB into a profitable entity.
Mueller managed to set the right foundation in his short stint so far with the airline and in the process maintained his track record of turning around ailing airlines.
Among his achievements with Malaysia Airlines included capacity reduction for unprofitable routes and a code-sharing partnership with Emirates.
It was also during his watch that the national airline reported a profit in February this year, the first positive monthly result in years.
READ: Christoph Mueller bids farewell to MAB in September
READ: Khazanah to consult MAB and government on Christoph Mueller's successor
He would leave behind a sterling legacy having notched up many successes in such a short time since his appointment on May 1, 2015.
He would serve out his six-month notice period until September.
An analyst said Mueller's decision to leave ahead of his three-year contract would not send a good message to the public, given that he is someone with that much calibre.
"Everyone had high hopes when he joined. He steered the airline in the right direction and made tough decisions with route rationalisation and staff reduction.
"If the management continues with what he has left them, we believe the airline will stand a chance to become profitable," he told Bernama.
"Shame, he was a good guy," remarked AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes who also expressed disappointment when he heard the news.
Firefly Chief Executive Officer Ignatius Ong feels that the show must go on for MAB as the building blocks have been put in place.
"The management team would see to the turnaround plan being carried out," said Ong, who helms low-cost carrier Firefly, a subsidiary of MAB.
Meanwhile, based on its statement yesterday, the national airline was actively searching for a new chief executive officer, internally and externally, for potential candidates.
It also appointed Chief Operations Officer Peter Bellew, the former Ryanair Flight Operations Director, as Executive Director on the board with immediate effect.
Mueller attributed personal circumstances to his early departure.
"I am looking forward to continuing this exciting task for another six months in my executive position.
"I am confident that the company is now on the right track to succeed in its next phase of growth under a new CEO. I remain fully committed to do everything possible to facilitate the continuing turnaround of Malaysia Airlines," he added.
Bernama
Wed Apr 20 2016
Mueller attributed personal circumstances to his early departure.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.