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gategroup announces appointment of Christoph Schmitz as new Chief Executive Officer

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gategroup, the leading global airline catering and food services provider, today announced that Xavier Rossinyol will step down as Chief Executive Officer effective November 1, 2021 to pursue new challenges outside of the airline industry.

He will be succeeded by Christoph Schmitz, gategroup’s Chief Financial Officer since January 2015.

Xavier Rossinyol joined gategroup in April 2015 and led the company through a strong growth phase with record year-on-year financial results; and navigated the complex COVID-19 pandemic.

“Under Xavier’s leadership, gategroup has truly become a global food-focused company and the world leading inflight caterer, being recognized for providing the most innovative culinary and retail offering tailored to individual customer needs in any market they operate, consistently and efficiently”, said Timo Vättö, Chairman of the Board of gategroup.

“gategroup is uniquely positioned today for the return of travel and to serve new customers beyond aviation”.

Christoph Schmitz joined gategroup as Chief Financial Officer and member of the Executive Management Board in January 2015 with over 20 years of experience as a CFO at multinational companies.

“Christoph’s contribution has been instrumental to drive the market consolidation strategy and secure the financing to enable gategroup weathering the crisis”, said Timo Vättö.

“The Board is confident that under Christoph’s leadership, the gategroup team will resume and accelerate on its growth path”.

“I would like to congratulate Christoph to his appointment as gategroup’s CEO”, said Xavier Rossinyol.

“He has been a key driver of the group’s achievements over the last 7 years with his talent, leadership, strategic thinking, commitment, and team focused approach.

“I want to thank our customers, partners, suppliers and banks for their support all along.

“Special thanks to the Shareholders and the Board of Directors. And a forever thanks to the leadership team and to all employees.

“All what we have achieved is thanks to them and our teamwork – my most personal and professional respect.

“I am convinced that a new era of success starts for gategroup under the strong leadership of Christoph”.

Xavier Rossinyol will remain with gategroup through January 2022, supporting the transition.

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