Maastricht Aachen Airport (MST) has appointed of industry expert Jonas van Stekelenburg as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to lead an ambitious growth program.

The airport’s new holding company, NV HBLM, has made the change to drive MST’s strategic goals of enhanced sustainability, digitalisation, and cargo and passenger development.

Van Stekelenburg brings extensive aviation expertise to the role, having already provided advisory services to MST’s management and supervisory board.

With a distinguished career spanning from 2002 to 2018 at the Royal Schiphol Group, van Stekelenburg is well-positioned to guide MST through its transitional phase.

“Our strategy is focused on delivering a resilient, sustainable, and environmentally conscious airport for the local community and its future,” said van Stekelenburg, CEO, Maastricht Aachen Airport.

“I thank my predecessor Jos Roeven for the great job he did, which has led to the strong foundation upon which we can now build.

“Moving forward, we are dedicated to furthering the sustainable evolution of MST’s operations and advancing both our passenger and cargo services.”

The changes come as part of a strategic initiative following the joint investment commitment of the Provincial Council of Limburg and the Royal Schiphol Group.

A prominent figure in MST’s journey, former CEO Jos Roeven, said: “My initial plan was to lead MST for five years when I started in 2017.

“That journey extended to six and a half years ­– a period during which our team achieved remarkable milestones in cargo and passenger volumes.

“I take immense pride in our collective accomplishments. The airport is now poised to ascend to greater heights, fueled by its collaboration with the Royal Schiphol Group.”

Van Stekelenburg will assume the role of CEO from September for an initial term of nine months.