STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Feb. 10, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In recent years, the SAS Group has implemented more sweeping structural changes than at any time during its history.
There has been major internal focus on rationalization measures and efficiency enhancement within the framework of Turnaround 2005, which has resulted in a considerably reduced cost level.
The top priorities for the next few years are customer focus and sales, which is why certain adjustments to the areas of responsibility within SAS Group Management are being implemented simultaneously.
In addition to total Group responsibility, SAS CEO Joergen Lindegaard will focus on the Group's long-term strategic effort and external relations, customers and shareholders, and the Group's managers and employees. Operational responsibility will be concentrated in each business area.
Executive Vice President John Dueholm, currently head of the Airline Support and Airline Related Businesses business areas, will assume responsibility for the Scandinavian Airlines Businesses business area, while also assuming the role of Chairman of the airlines involved 1).
"This change will result in the Group's five business areas achieving a more similar structure, with distinct earnings responsibility," says Joergen Lindegaard, SAS CEO.
In conjunction with the reorganization the Group management's areas of responsibility, Soren Belin has decided to leave SAS.
"I have chosen to leave the Group in May 2005 after being involved in an historic change within the SAS Group. I have participated with a large amount of enthusiasm in the work on the changes that are now being implemented vigorously," says Soren Belin.
"With his abilities, Soren Belin has been a driving force in the Group's process of change and a good team player. I regret his decision to leave the company," says Joergen Lindegaard.
A recruitment process has begun for the position of Group director for the units within Airline Support and Airline Related Businesses, two business areas with sales of approximately SEK 17 billion.
For further information:
Hans Ollongren, Senior Vice President SAS Group Communications, +46 (0)8 797 19 50 SAS Group Corporate Communications
1) SAS Scandinavian Airlines Sweden, SAS Braathens, SAS Scandinavian Airlines Denmark and Scandinavian Airlines International
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