COO’s appointment sets off a storm in Air India

New Delhi: The appointment of Gustav Baldauf as the first chief operating officer (COO) of Air India (AI) has kicked-up a storm in the top management of the national carrier even before he officially takes charge.
According to the terms of appointment cleared by the AI (NACIL) Board for the new COO, the eligible candidate should have been in the age group of 45-50. Baldauf is 54.
The age condition was explicitly stated and recorded in the minutes of the board meeting held on August 20, 2009 — accessed by Hindustan Times.
In response to a questionnaire from HT, AI did not deny the eligibility criterion. “This was only the preferred age group. In a global selection process, there cannot be an age bar as this is not legally permitted abroad,” it said.
The board was informed of the change and it confirmed the appointment, AI said. However, three board members HT spoke said the board was kept in dark.
Sources said Baldauf’s name did not even figure in the original shortlist of candidates for the COO’s post. AI denied this.
18/05/10 Hindustan Times

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: NACIL May 2010