Stefan Pichler

Stefan Pichler (born November 7, 1957) is a global airline and tourism Chief Executive. Most recently he was President and CEO of Royal Jordanian. Previously, Pichler was the Managing Director and CEO of Air Berlin, served as Managing Director and CEO of Fiji Airways, as the CEO of Jazeera Airways, Chairman and CEO of Thomas Cook AG and Chairman of the Bundesverband der Deutschen Tourismuswirtschaft, as well as Chairman of Fiji Tourism. Additionally, he has held Senior and Executive Board roles as a CCO at Virgin Australia and at Lufthansa. In November 2014, Air Berlin appointed Pichler as CEO effective February 2015. After signing the restructuring deals with Lufthansa and Etihad, Pichler left to lead Royal Jordanian Airlines. Pichler then developed a turnaround plan for Royal Jordanian which helped to return to profitability by the end of FY 2017. Royal Jordanian also posted a sharp increase in the operating results and net income in 2018 and 2019. Pichler announced his retirement effective 30 September 2020. Early life and education Pichler was born and raised in Munich, Germany. He received a master's degree in economics and law from the University of Augsburg and a post graduate degree from INSEAD. Career In 1983, Pichler began his career as Head of Sport Promotions for Nike in Beaverton, Oregon. Pichler became the Marketing and Sales Director of France for Lufthansa in 1989. In 1991, Lufthansa appointed Pichler Managing Director for Lufthansa France, based in Paris. He was promoted to Head of Worldwide Sales for Lufthansa in 1996 and appointment as a member of Lufthansa's Executive Board the following year. In January 2000, Pichler was appointed CEO of Thomas Cook AG, a national tour operator. He helped develop the company to the world's second largest leisure group.