Garuda Indonesia appoints new CEO Glenny Kairupan

The airline also appoints Balagopal Kunduvara, a former executive of Singapore Airlines, as new CIO

State airline Garuda Indonesia on Wednesday (Oct 15) appointed a new chief executive officer, retired military official Glenny Kairupan, its corporate secretary Cahyadi Indrananto said.

No reason was given for the appointment. Cahyadi told Reuters that inquiries should go to the government, as Garuda’s main shareholder.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has referred to Kairupan as his friend, citing their time together as military cadets, state news Antara reported in August.

Kairupan, who is listed on Garuda Indonesia’s website as a member of its board of commissioners, replaced former chief executive Wamildan Tsani.

Garuda Indonesia also appointed Balagopal Kunduvara, a former executive of Singapore Airlines, as its chief financial officer.

Garuda Indonesia’s finances have been strained since the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing the airline to undertake a debt restructuring. REUTERS