SEPANG: Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) group chief executive officer Christoph Mueller believes the airline industry is more than just about transporting people and cargo from one place to another.
“We connect nations with each other. That’s our job. That’s why we are here,” the aviation enthusiast said.
Mueller was drawn to the airline industry by his love for flying and aircraft.
“It’s one of my key interests, not only passenger aircraft but everything that flies.
“The airline industry is so international.
“In certain departments, I have 32 people with 28 passports working there. That is nice,” he said in an exclusive interview with the New Straits Times.
A German citizen, Mueller brings more than 25 years’ experience in the aviation, logistics and tourism sectors to the Malaysia Airlines group.
His strengths are in strategic and financial planning, as well as structural repositioning of companies in difficulty.
Prior to his appointment to MAB, Mueller was CEO of Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland. He turned around the loss-making airline within a year.
His track record of corporate turnarounds includes Lufthansa, Sabena S.A. (part of the Swissair Group), Delta Air Transport and DHL Express.
In 2006, he spent two years at global travel leisure group TUI AG, where he was responsible for financial controlling, aviation business, central purchasing and new market development.
Asked what made him accept the job to turn around Malaysia Airlines, Mueller replied: “What makes a doctor accept the patient? It’s a specialty. I have done that. I thought, and still think, that the job is doable. I was and am prepared for the challenge.”
Clad in a dark suit and purple tie, the fan of spicy food and Malaysia’s warm weather said adapting to the new workplace and Asian culture had not been difficult.
“The cultural aspect is more an advantage because I think the Malaysian hospitality gives us an advantage in interaction with our customers.
“There are many other nations that will be glad to have such an advantage with regards to culture,” said Mueller, who also enjoys gardening.