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Meijer named CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation

Embraer today introduced Arjan Meijer as the new president and CEO of its Commercial Aviation operation, succeeding John Slattery, who is to become GE Aviation’s president- and CEO-elect on July 13 – before officially stepping into those roles on September 1, 2020.

Slattery named CEO of GE Aviation

Meijer becomes president and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation effectively immediately. He will report directly to Embraer president and CEO, Francisco Gomes Neto.

In announcing Meijer’s appointment, the Brazilian plane maker noted the move signals the start of its restructuring process for the commercial aviation business. Back on April 24, Boeing announced it had terminated its Master Transaction Agreement with Embraer, under which the two companies were working to create a joint venture primarily around their commercial aviation assets.

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Meijer, 47, has been chief commercial officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation since January 2017. In his role as CCO, he was responsible for the global marketing and sales functions across six different regions, helping the company to achieve 35 airline deals. He joined Embraer in April 2016 as VP of commercial aviation for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Russia.

Prior to joining Embraer, Meijer spent 15 years in various executive roles at the KLM Group. His last two roles were VP of technical services and fleet development at KLM’s regional subsidiary KLM Cityhopper and managing director at KLM UK Engineering in Norwich. He earned a Master’s in Aeronautical Engineering from Delft Technical University in the Netherlands and a Master’s in Business Administration from Purdue University in the United States.

“Arjan has done a fantastic job as the head of sales for Embraer Commercial Aviation. He has the energy, international experience, and skillset to lead our commercial aviation business at this unique moment,” said Francisco Gomes Neto.

Slattery had led Embraer Commercial Aviation since July 2016. Prior to that, he was the business unit’s chief commercial officer beginning in November 2012.

“John has played a central role at Embraer during a challenging time, and we thank him for his dedication and tireless service to the company, as well as its customers, employees, and partners,” said Alexandre Silva, Embraer chairman of the board. “Fortunately, the industry will keep counting on him as he will continue to work in the aviation sector.”