Cramer Ball, an aviation expert who has worked in several global airlines and is credited with turning around Air Seychelles, today formally took over as the CEO of Jet Airways after government granted him security clearance.
46-year old Ball, an Australian national, was appointed in May by the Board of Jet Airways which had also approved a three-year restructuring programme then.
In a letter to the employees, Jet Chairman Naresh Goyal said, "Pursuant to the approval of the Board of Jet Airways (India) Limited on 27 May, 2014, regarding the appointment of Cramer Ball as its new Chief Executive Officer, we now confirm that Ball has received all regulatory approvals including his security clearance."
"He will now officially take charge as the Chief Executive Officer of Jet Airways (India) Limited," Goyal said.
Ball's appointment in May had come four months after Gary Kenneth Toomey stepped down from the position after a stint of just seven months. Toomey was appointed in mid-June 2013 when Nikos Kardassis resigned as CEO after serving his second term with the carrier as CEO from October 2009 to May 2013. He had previously served the airline between 1993 and 1999.
Jet has also informed the Civil Aviation Ministry about Ball taking over as the CEO from today.
A certified accountant, Ball had previously led a restructuring program as Air Seychelles CEO which saw the carrier return to profitability.
He had earlier held positions in Etihad Airways, Ansett Australia, Gulf Air, Kendell Airline and Qantas. Abu Dhabi- based carrier Etihad Airways had picked 24 per cent stake in Jet last year.
