Pieter (J.Th.) Elbers

President and Chief Executive Officer KLM

Pieter Elbers started his career with KLM in 1992 as Supervisor Aircraft loading at the Schiphol hub, followed by a number a managerial positions in The Netherlands as well as abroad for six years, amongst which those of General/Sales Manager in Japan, Greece and Italy. After he returned to The Netherlands he became SVP Network & Alliances, before he joined the Board of Managing Directors in 2011 as Chief Operating Officer.
 
Within the joint responsibility of the Board of Managing Director, it is the President & CEO who manages KLM’s overall strategy and performance with €10 bln revenues and 33.000 staff. In this role setting strategic priorities in order to leverage the company’s competitive advantage is his primary focus. The relationships with external and internal stakeholders, as well as further developing and enhancing (joint venture) alliances and (Skyteam) partnerships are also part of his focus area. Furthermore, he is accountable for maintaining a customer focused, innovative and efficient organization. He sees leading a motivated executive team and building a firm and fair corporate culture as an important corner stone in reaching his goals.
 
He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Air France KLM Group. Furthermore he is a member of the Supervisory Board of Marfo B.V. In addition, he is a member of the Board of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), and a member of the International Advisory Board of International Institute of Air & Space Law (IIASL).
 
Pieter Elbers graduated at the University of Amsterdam (Master in Business Administration) and the Academy of Venlo (Bachelor in Logistics Management). In addition he has completed executive programs at IMD - Lausanne, Columbia University - New York and Tsinghua - Beijing.