AirFi has appointed Ivo Zaal as its Chief Operating Officer, which took effect on 1 March 2023. The new role marks Zaal’s return to the inflight entertainment and onboard retail technology company, having been the first employee ever hired by AirFi in back in 2013.
Zaal’s first role with AirFi was as its Global Operations Manager, where he looked after global project management, process improvements, customer success and operational management. Following his time at AirFi, he held leadership roles at the likes of Heineken and CoolBlue, gaining operational, financial and customer service expertise.
“I’m very excited to be back at AirFi, which has been such an important part of my career,” said Zaal. “Even when I made the decision to explore other opportunities, I kept in touch with the AirFi team and was amazed to see how much the company has grown over the past several years.”
“Bringing the skills and experience I have gained since my last tenure, I will be able to help this global organisation implement processes to work smarter and more efficiently, while creating stronger engagement within our departments and with our valued customers,” he added.
The appointment of Zaal as COO follows founding AirFi partner and incumbent COO Martijn Moret’s decision to officially step down from his active role in day-to-day operations.
“While his term as our COO comes to an end, Martijn will continue to contribute to important matters and projects within the company as a board member and a shareholder,” said Job Heimerikx, CEO, AirFi. “I sincerely thank him for being a pillar of strength from the beginning of our journey, his contribution to the success of AirFi today, and for standing by me as a companion, confidant and a great business partner.”
“Under Ivo’s leadership and with our unwavering trust and support, AirFi will undoubtedly continue to disrupt the market through innovation, strengthen our unique company culture and perform at its highest potential,” added Heimerikx.
