Budget carrier IndiGo on Wednesday announced the appointment of Pieter Elbers as its chief executive officer. He will replace incumbent Ronojoy Dutta who has decided to retire on September 30.

Elbers’ appointment, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will be effective from on or before October 1.

The development comes months after Rakesh Gangwal, co-founder of InterGlobe Aviation, resigned as a director from the company. Earlier, co-promoter Rahul Bhatia was appointed as the managing director for five years.

The 71-year-old Dutta, who came to lead IndiGo in January 2019, guided the airline through the turbulent Covid period, IndiGo said in a statement.

Since 2014, Elbers, 52, has served as the president and CEO of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. He is also a member of the executive committee of Air France – KLM Group.

“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Pieter Elbers as the chief executive officer,” said Bhatia.

Dutta said: “I leave knowing that IndiGo is in the good custody of Elbers and that the future for IndiGo employees is secure and bright.”