Munich Airport chief executive officer (CEO) Michael Kerkloh is to retire at the end of 2019 after more than 17 years at the helm.
Kerkloh took office in 2002, celebrated his 65th birthday in June 2018 and over his airport management career, Kerkloh came to be seen as one of the most experienced and respected experts in the industry, both in Germany and internationally.
Under his leadership, Bavaria’s gateway to the world has taken its place alongside Europe’s top-performing air transportation hubs – both in terms of traffic growth and commercial success.
Major milestones in the Kerkloh years include the opening of Terminal 2 in 2003, the commissioning of the satellite terminal in 2016, and the decision to expand and upgrade Terminal 1.
At a meeting FMG Supervisory Board agreed, with Kerkloh’s consent, to begin the search for a suitable successor with the support of an executive recruitment consultancy. He will continue to hold office as the CEO of FMG until 31 December, 2019.
At today’s meeting of the FMG supervisory board, the chairman, Minister of State Albert Füracker said: “At this point we can already say: During his time as CEO, Dr. Kerkloh has rendered outstanding service to Munich Airport and to Bavaria’s competitiveness in the world of aviation.
“The house he will leave behind in 12 months is in excellent order. For his hard work and achievements, I wish to express my sincere thanks.”
Kerkloh, who hails from Ahlen in the state of North Rhine Westphalia and holds a doctorate in economics, began his career in aviation at Frankfurt Airport in 1987, where he was responsible for operational planning and the organization of aircraft handling.
In 1995 Kerkloh joined Hamburg Airport, where he served as CEO for seven years. He then accepted the top job in Munich. Along with his role as president and CEO, he also serves as the labor director of FMG.
He has been a member of the board of Airports Council International (ACI) for many years and was elected president in 2017 and was re-elected in 2018. Kerkloh also served for six years as the president of the German Airports Association (ADV) and is a member of the executive committee of the German Aviation Industry Association.
(Picture courtesy of Munich Airport from Getty Images)
