These were the words of Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) CEO and Managing Director Christoph Mueller with regards to him leaving the company in September.
According to a report by The Star Online, Mueller said this in an internal memo to the staff.
“Today, I want to inform you of my heartfelt decision to leave Malaysia Airlines Berhad at the end of September 2016. This is for personal reasons which are beyond my control,” Mueller said in the memo.
He informed the staff that to facilitate a smooth transition, the board has appointed Peter Bellew, the COO, as executive director of the board with immediate effect.
“I hope to be able to remain as a non-executive member of the Board of Directors for some time, subject to approvals, to ensure we stay focused and we stay on course.”
Formerly, the CEO of Irish airline Aer Lingus, Mueller said he was sad to leave the company, especially after seeing the first pay back of the hard work of the team.
Mueller was referring to the company finally posting a profit, as announced earlier this month, after struggling for several years, particularly in the wake of the two air disasters in 2014 – MH370 and MH17.
“As you know, we have already seen a profit in February and we are also ahead of budget which gives a strong indication that our turnaround initiatives are pulling through faster than expected.”
Expressing his gratitude to his team, Mueller thanked them for their hard work and efforts.
“I will be conducting a few town halls (briefings) over the next few days to share with you the good progress we have seen in our recovery plan and to answer any questions you may have,” he added, while pledging his commitment to do everything possible to facilitate the continuing turnaround of MAB in his executive position for the coming six months.
Earlier, it was announced by MAB that Mueller would be leaving the company this September.
“In ensuring continuity and an orderly succession, Mr Mueller will serve a six-month notice period to September 2016,” MAB said in a statement today.