Delta airline has announced the appointment of Corneel Koster as Senior Vice President Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, EMEAI.

Mr. Koster takes over from Nat Pieper who has become Senior Vice President Global Alliances.

Based in London, Mr. Koster will further expand on Delta’s successes in the EMEAI region in cooperation with long-term partner airlines including Air France KLM, Alitalia, Virgin Atlantic Airways and Jet Airways.

He will report to Delta’s President – International & EVP – Global Sales, Steve Sear, the company said.

According to Mr. Sear, “(Mr. Koster) brings a wealth of industry experience to Delta and his knowledge of airline partnerships combined with his commercial and operational acumen will build a stronger, more competitive future for Delta in the region.”

Mr. Koster holds a MSc in Business Administration from Groningen University in the Netherlands.

Prior to Delta, Mr. Koster was Chief Operating Officer at Aeroméxico, since 2013. He has also served as Virgin Atlantic’s Director of Operations, Safety and Security and held senior commercial roles at Air France KLM, KLM and KLM Cargo.