Wolfgang Prock-Schauer has been tapped as the new CEO of Air Berlin, taking over the position held on an interim basis by Hartmut Mehdorn since September 2011.
Prock-Schauer joined the airline in October as chief strategy and planning officer on the Air Berlin management board. He began his career with Austrian Airlines in 1981 and held positions with various carriers through the years. Prior to joining Air Berlin, he was CEO of British Midland International from 2009 to 2012.
During Mehdorn's term as CEO, he oversaw the partnership between Air Berlin and Etihad Airways and Air Berlin's entrance into the Oneworld airline alliance. He also worked with the management team on setting up the "Turbine" turnaround program and efficiency building.
Hans-Joachim Korber, chairman of the board of Air Berlin, praised Mehdorn's work saying that he had laid the foundations for Prock-Schauer's work. Korber said Prock-Schauer will take over the Turbine program and reorganization of the company.
Follow Kate Rice on Twitter @krtravelweekly.