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Hari Marar: Key new role |
INDIA. Marcel Hungerbuehler is to step down from his role as President of Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) when his term ends in March. Hari Marar, currently Director Operations, is being appointed as President Operations at BIAL, effective 1 March. In a related move, Daniel Bircher, currently Head Safety Office at Zürich Airport, will take over from Marar as Director Operations at BIAL.
Hungerbuehler joined BIAL as Chief Operating Officer. His initial contract was extended in early 2009 when he took over from the company’s first CEO, Albert Brunner. Hungerbuehler played a crucial role in the startup of Bengaluru International Airport when it opened in May 2008.
Hari Marar brings with him over 15 years of experience in service industries that include hospitality, airlines and airports across Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore. He joined BIAL in September 2006 as the Head of Daily Operations and was a part of the core team that drove the airport project and is responsible for all operations at Bengaluru International Airport.
Marcel Hungerbuehler said: “When I accepted this assignment in India, I did not expect to stay for this long. With one extension already made, it is time for me to move on. I have said this often before and truly believe that my high point here has been the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and enthusiastic team of individuals. It is only with my team’s commitment and passion that BIAL has been able to achieve the high standards of service we have today. I am grateful that I was given the opportunity to come to this great country and stay in a city that holds so much promise.”
BIAL Managing Director GV Sanjay Reddy said: “We highly appreciate Marcel’s contribution towards a successful opening and efficient operations of Bengaluru International Airport. He is credited with implementing and maintaining the high performance standards of the airport’s passenger processes, a quality that the airport prides itself on today. In his tenure as CEO and now President, the company has won several accolades, both national and international. Concurrently, we believe Hari Marar and Daniel Bircher will take the airport to even greater heights.”
About Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL)
BIAL is a Public Limited Company under the Companies Act formed to build, own and operate Bangalore’s Greenfield private sector-owned and operated airport – Bengaluru International Airport. Private promoters hold a 74% (Siemens Projects Ventures – 40%, GVK – 29% and Unique Zurich – 5%) stake in BIAL while the government holds the remaining 26% (Karnataka State Industrial Investment and Development Corporation – 13%, Airport Authority of India – 13%).
