Albert Brunner to step down as CEO of BIAL

After 7 years, Mr. Albert Brunner will not be extending his contract with Bengaluru International Airport Ltd. (BIAL) which comes to an end in early 2009, and will step down as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Brunner who joined BIAL as CEO in 2002 is synonymous with the new Bengaluru International Airport. He is expected to take up another overseas assignment with the Unique Airports organisation, which operates Zurich airport, and is a partner in the BIAL consortium.

BIAL Chief Operating Officer Marcel Hungerbühler, will take over as CEO on February 1, 2009.

Marcel Hungerbühler has been the Chief Operations Officer of BIAL over the last two years and was instrumental in the start-up process and the operations of the airport. He brings with him 38 years of experience from the aviation industry and has held various high level management positions with Swissair and Swissport prior to joining BIAL.

Despite my differences with Mr. Brunner, about HAL airport, knowing him for over 4 years, he is a person, I have tremendous respect and admiration for. At a Rotary club meeting I was attending, a member asked Mr. Brunner, "What has your India experience taught you ?"; after some thought, came the answer -- "Patience"

With true grit, tenacity, and patience, over the last 7 years, Albert Brunner has guided the new airport project to a reality called Bengaluru International Airport. BIAL will miss his leadership. I wish him continued success and achievements.

Marcel Hungerbühler is an equally wonderful person. Very practical, empathetic, pragmatic, cooperative, and totally down to earth; but, I caution anyone, who would think Marcel is a pushover. He is tough as they come.

Albert has built the airport, Marcel is the perfect successor to run it. Congratulations Marcel. God bless with all the success.