Eos appoints new CEO
Jack L. Williams has EOS Airlines as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Williams, whose career spans more than 30 years as a senior executive with American Airlines and Royal Caribbean Cruises, will assume the CEO title from David Pottruck. Mr. Pottruck will continue as Chairman of Eos, a role he has held since July 2005, but he will no longer serve as the interim CEO. Eos Founder and Chief Strategic Officer David Spurlock will also maintain his current responsibilities.
During Mr. Pottruck’s tenure as CEO, Eos Airlines achieved flight level profitability, added a second daily London - New York round trip, and attracted $75 million in an additional round of institutional financing. Eos also recently received the 2007 Business Travel World “Long Haul Business Airline of the Year” award, a virtually unprecedented feat for a new airline.
With the expansion of the executive team, Eos Airlines also announces an additional flight will be added to its London and New York schedules, with three regularly scheduled departures from each city during peak travel days. Tickets are now available for the new schedule that starts April 15th. The new departure times will offer greater options and convenience for international business travellers.
“As Eos Airlines has grown, we have sought to expand the breadth and depth of our executive team,” said Pottruck. “Now that we are prepared to take the next steps in our development, we are extremely fortunate to add a travel industry veteran with Jack’s track record of airline and luxury travel success,” adding, “Jack shares our passion for creating an unequalled guest experience on every Eos flight.”
“To be with a category defining brand in the airline business is a rare opportunity,” said Jack Williams. “I’m very excited to join the Eos Team. The vision, talent, and enthusiasm here is redefining premium travel, as evidenced by the many glowing reviews of travel professionals.”
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As President and Chief Operating Officer at Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Williams was responsible for the entire operating arms of Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Under his leadership from 1997 to 2005, the fleet of ships expanded from 8 to 29, and revenues
grew 150% to $4.8 billion. Celebrity Cruises was also named “Best Premium Cruise Line” by
the Conde Nast “Reader’s Choice Poll Awards” for the first time in its history.
At American Airlines, Williams spent 23 years in a variety of positions in finance, operations, and sales and marketing, ultimately attaining the title of Vice President and General Sales Manager, where he was responsible for generating and managing over $16 billion in annual worldwide revenue.
In addition to his business acumen, Jack Williams has earned a reputation for broad and significant charitable commitment. A majority of his work has been for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where he is a recipient of the Breath of Life Award, the highest honour given by the organisation.
Mr. Williams earned his BA degree from San Diego State University. He will reside in the New York area where two of his three adult children currently live.
About Eos Airlines
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