Chartering new skies; A shift of Leadership
The dynamic change of the supervisory board of WINAIR
Simpson Bay, June 30, 2023 - WINAIR is pleased to announce a significant milestone in its journey of resilience and success. Following a remarkable revival from financial challenges, weathering hurricanes, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, WINAIR is poised for further expansion and prosperity. Today, we proudly announce the expansion of our Supervisory Board from three to five members, marking a new era of strategic decision-making and growth.
Since October 10, 2010, when WINAIR became a St. Maarten Government-owned company coinciding with the official establishment of Country St. Maarten, the airline has undergone a remarkable transformation. Initially faced with substantial hurdles, WINAIR's revival journey commenced in 2011 under the stewardship of a Supervisory Board consisting of George Greaux Jr., Robert Budike, Gerrit Draai, and a dedicated executive management team. Through their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, WINAIR emerged from adversity, achieving profitability within one year.
Mr. Gerrit Draai unfortunately, passed away in July 2018. Mr. Draai, with his 35+ years of expertise as an airline professional, assisted the WINAIR team with distinction and is still fondly remembered by those of us who had the pleasure of working with him. His board membership was passed to Hans de Jong, an equally experienced civil aviation professional.
Now, as WINAIR enters a phase of expansion and increased opportunities, it is crucial to adapt and augment the leadership structure accordingly. Consequently, after three successful terms, member of the Supervisory Board Robert Budike gracefully relinquished his seat earlier this year and is followed by Chairman of the Supervisory Board George Greaux Jr. after this year’s annual meeting of shareholders, allowing for fresh perspectives and skillsets to contribute to the airline's future trajectory.
The expansion of the Supervisory Board to five members represents a strategic step forward for WINAIR. The initial three-member board structure was instrumental in making swift decisions to lay a robust foundation. Now, as WINAIR sets its sights on broader horizons and takes further strides towards expansion, the increased diversity and expertise within the board will facilitate informed decision-making capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
The newly appointed additional board members are Ms. Melinda Hoeve, Mr. Jimmy Challenger, and Mr. Jeroen Scheelbeek.
"We express our sincere gratitude to the departing board members for their invaluable contributions and dedication to WINAIR's success," stated Mr. Michael Cleaver, CEO and President of WINAIR. "Their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment were instrumental in resurrecting the airline from challenging circumstances. We warmly welcome the new board members, confident in their ability to guide WINAIR towards a prosperous future."
WINAIR remains steadfast in its commitment to connecting the islands of the Caribbean, fostering regional integration, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the Windward Islands. With a dynamic board at the helm, WINAIR is confident in charting a course toward continued success and delivering exceptional service to its loyal customers.
