Fastjet Chief Executive Director, Ed Winter has decided to step down but will remain in the post until a successor is appointed and stay on in an advisory capacity for an agreed period to assist with the handover of responsibilities and ensure an orderly transition.
Headhunters will be appointed to start the search for a new CEO and assist the board’s nomination committee to identify suitable candidates.
Chairman Colin Child said: “Over the past four years, Ed has made significant and sustained progress towards Fastjet’s goal of becoming Africa’s first true low-cost pan-African airline. Despite being confronted with numerous challenges, Ed has succeeded in successfully opening hubs in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, providing multiple domestic services, and has won international rights to fly from Uganda, Tanzania to South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Recent approval to operate flights to and within Kenya is also a major step forward in growing the airline’s route network.
“The board is enormously grateful to Ed for his leadership and expertise in launching fastjet and the pivotal role he has played in Fastjet’s development. He leaves with our very best wishes.”
Winter said: “I feel privileged to have had this unique and exciting opportunity to lead an incredible team in changing the face of African aviation. I am particularly pleased to have achieved the very significant launch of flights to Kenya this week, a milestone that I believe signals a major change in Fastjet’s ability to grow.
“We have built a great platform from which the Company can achieve its vision of being the first significant pan-African low-cost airline. Following four intensive years of work and overseas travel, I am looking forward to spending more time on my other personal and professional interests. Once the handover process is complete, I look forward to watching Fastjet’s continued progress.”
