Gulf Air appoints Björn Näf as Acting President and Chief Executive

The Gulf Air Board of Directors has appointed Chief Operating Officer Björn Näf as the Acting President and Chief Executive.

Mr. Näf, who has broad experience in the aviation industry, was instrumental in implementing the airline's new revamped network launched on July 1. The new network, based on a “wave” model, offers as many as 588 flights every week in the Middle East.

Näf’s proven multi-tasking capabilities gained over the years in the aviation industry suits his new role perfectly. The 42-year-old executive began his airline carrier in 1990 with airline pilot training in the US and Switzerland.

From the early 1990s to late 2000, he served in various departments at Crossair. Mr. Näf also served as the Executive Vice President Product and Services for Swiss International Air Lines overseeing cabin crew, ground services, operations control center, product management and development and also customer services. He has also served as captain for Crossair. He then went on to graduate from Harvard Business School in Boston, United States after completing an advanced management programme.

Mr. Näf joined Gulf Air from Transafrik International, Kenya, where, as the Chief Executive Officer, he oversaw the international cargo, humanitarian and relief flights for the United Nations.

Married to Andrea and father of two boys Dominik and Gian, Mr. Näf enjoys glider-flying, skiing and tennis.

The search for a permanent President and Chief Executive, following Mr. Dose's sudden departure, has already begun and is open to Bahrainis and other nationalities.

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