Einar Örn Ólafsson has been appointed as PLAY airlines‘ new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Birgir Jónsson. Jónsson will continue to work for PLAY airlines until April 2, 2024, and will remain as an advisor for the company for the next few months to ensure a seamless transition.
Ólafsson is one of PLAY airlines’ largest shareholders and has been chairman of the board since April 2021. He has rescinded his candidacy as a board member for the election of a new board at the company’s annual general meeting on March 21, 2024, to assume the role of PLAY airlines’ CEO.
“I am really looking forward to this new role,” said Einar Örn Ólafsson, the newly appointed CEO of PLAY airlines. “After a great ramp-up phase these past few years under Birgir’s strong leadership, the company is now at a turning point. As the company’s largest shareholder, I’d like to see my investment through. I am very familiar with PLAY’s operations and employees and can see ample opportunities and exciting projects in the operation going forward. I’m grateful to PLAY’s board of directors for their trust in me and I’d like to use the opportunity to thank Birgir for his contribution to PLAY and for our pleasant and productive collaboration during these past few years.”
Ólafsson has been involved in the operation of numerous companies, both as an investor, executive and board member. He was previously the CEO of both Fjarðarlax and Skeljungur and also has extensive experience in capital markets. Ólafsson graduated with an MBA degree from New York University’s Stern School of Business in 2003 and holds a B.Sc. degree in industrial engineering from the University of Iceland.
PLAY airlines is a new Icelandic low-cost airline operating flights between North America and Europe.
