Scandinavian Airlines has appointed Niko Ek to the role of regional general manager, Europe.

EK is responsible for leading the UK team, based in London, and staff in Europe.

Moving to his new role from head of sales operations in Sweden, he has worked at SAS since 2001, returning to the company following a short break in 2013.

With his first role for SAS at Helsinki Airport, EK has also held positions including head of sales in Finland and Norway. 

Ek succeeds Hans Dyhrfort, who is leaving the position after five years, returning to SAS in Stockholm, for a new position.

Annelie Nässén, vice president SAS global sales commented: “Niko has excelled in each position he has previously held with SAS, and has solid experience with a very good track record for developing people and delivering good business results.

“We thank Hans for his great contribution to SAS in the UK over many years, handing over a strong track record for delivery of the business targets for Niko to build upon.”

Celebrating 70 years of flying in 2016, SAS flies direct to Stockholm, Copenhagen, Stavanger, Oslo and Bergen from the UK, operating out of six airports including London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Newcastle.