Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance (AFI KLM E&M) has announced multiple leadership transitions across its global operations. Ton Dortmans, executive vice president of KLM Engineering & Maintenance (KLM E&M), will retire in summer 2025 after a 40-year career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Mathieu Essenberg, currently EVP Hub Operations in charge of Ground Services, will succeed him effective January 1, 2025. Dortmans will assist Essenberg during the handover and manage major projects in collaboration with Anne Brachet, EVP Air France-KLM Engineering & Maintenance.
Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, stated, “Ton has fulfilled this immense responsibility with great dedication, a passion for technology, and a deep care for the people behind it. He has successfully steered E&M through challenging times, including significant downsizing during covid and subsequent scaling up and recruitment efforts.” Anne Brachet added, “Ton’s remarkable 40-year career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has been marked by unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and a profound impact on our organization.”
In parallel, Géry Mortreux, Executive Vice President of Air France Industries, will depart effective May 1, 2026, after nearly a decade in the role. Vincent d’Andrea, Senior Vice President Engineering & Airframe Maintenance since 2018, will succeed him and join Air France’s Executive Committee, reporting to Anne Rigail. Gilles Mercier, current CEO of U.S. subsidiary Barfield, will replace d’Andrea as of July 1. Tommaso Auriemma will then assume Mercier’s role, with Magali Jobert, formerly Director of AFMAé and now VP Asset Management & Aerostructures Products, taking over as VP Sales for the Asia-Pacific region.
These changes occur amid KLM’s strategic overhaul to boost profitability by €450 million short-term and achieve over 8% margins by 2026-2028, including productivity gains and potential maintenance outsourcing.