From January 1, 2025, Mathieu Essenberg, currently EVP Hub Operations overseeing Ground Services, will succeed Ton Dortmans as Executive Vice President of KLM Engineering & Maintenance (KLM E&M).
Essenberg has been with KLM since 2002, holding various management roles at KLM Cityhopper and in Flight Operations. He served as SVP Airframe/Operations at KLM E&M, where he was responsible for aircraft maintenance across KLM’s fleet and for global customers. Additionally, he has 20 years of flying experience as a captain on the Boeing 737 for both KLM and KLM Cityhopper. In 2022, Essenberg was appointed EVP Hub Operations, leading the Ground Services division. He will officially step into his new role in January 2025, with Ton Dortmans supporting him during the handover to ensure a smooth transition.
Dortmans, who will retire in summer 2025 after an illustrious 40-year career with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, has held numerous senior roles since joining KLM on August 1, 1985. Initially working in Engineering & Maintenance, he later transitioned to Ground Services, where he was responsible for redesigning ground handling processes. From 1998 to 2008, he held key positions in Flight Operations, including Air Traffic Management and Deputy EVP Flight Operations, before returning to KLM E&M in December 2008. He became EVP of KLM E&M in February 2012 and joined the Executive Teams of both KLM and AFI KLM E&M. During his final months, Ton will focus on overseeing major projects for AFI KLM E&M and collaborating with OEMs and on supply chain initiatives alongside Anne Brachet.
