The SkyTeam global airline alliance announced on October 1st that Patrick Roux will take over as CEO and Managing Director. The announcement comes as the organization continues to expand with a focus on providing industry-leading travel experiences.
Three decades of experience
In a statement, SkyTeam said Roux is familiar and comfortable in an international environment as he was in charge of international markets and based in different countries during his career. Walter Cho, SkyTeam Chairman said,
"We are delighted to welcome Patrick onboard as SkyTeam’s new CEO/Managing Director. He joins the alliance at an important point in time, and we have absolute confidence that his extensive experience will help us further build the alliance of the future through a continued focus on delivering a seamless travel experience.”
Roux brings more than 30 years of airline experience to SkyTeam, most recently serving as Senior Vice President Alliances at Air France-KLM group.
Career beginnings
Roux graduated in Paris with an engineering degree from Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Telecommunications in 1989. He started his career in the early 1990s at Air France before spending numerous years at the executive level in both strategic and operational roles. He spent two years as Head of the Chairman and CEO’s Office and then four years in finance as Vice President Pricing and Revenue Management.
In 2004, Roux was the Senior Vice President of marketing for Air France where was responsible for the customer experience during its merger with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. He also focused on creating a dual brand strategy for the two carriers.
Expanding international network
Roux was responsible in later years for overseeing Air France-KLM’s partnership and codeshare strategies that would increase its global reach. He was a key figure in the group’s affiliation with fellow SkyTeam alliance member Delta Air Lines and its Trans-Atlantic Joint Venture announcement in 2009.
In 2010, Roux worked in New York as Senior Vice President of Air France-KLM for Americas. While his main focus was covering sales, he amplified the ongoing collaboration with Delta Air Lines and maintained the profitability of several markets in North, Central and South America.
Following his success in the Americas, Roux continued to serve as SVP but shifted responsibilities to manage the Asian Pacific region. His efforts provided significant results, including the development of joint ventures with Chinese airline partners. Now, through more than 80 joint ventures and codeshare agreements, the Air France-KLM group has commercial offerings in several markets around the world.
As Senior Vice President Alliances, Roux continued to oversee and expand Air France-KLM’s partnerships. He joins SkyTeam as England-based Virgin Atlantic is set to join the organization, its first member since Garuda Indonesia in 2014.
Outgoing CEO's success
Roux’s predecessor Kristin Colvile returns to Delta Air Lines after a four-year tenure. Colvile is credited for several industry advances. She led the organization through a strategic transformation, allowing 600 million travelers to fly seamlessly across SkyTeam airlines using cutting-edge technology.
Colvile is also applauded for guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, introducing SkyCare&Protect, a series of health and safety measures implemented throughout the alliance. She also pushed the organization to focus on sustainability with the development of the SkyTeam Sustainable Flight Challenge.
Cre: Simple Flying
Nguyen Mai Huong-COMM
