Avianca Names Hernán Rincón New CEO

German Efromovich, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Avianca Holdings S.A. and Aerovias del Continente Americano S.A. has announced the appointment of Hernán Rincón (pictured above) as the new Chief Executive Officer of Avianca Holdings S.A. and Avianca S.A

Mr. Rincón, was most recently CEO for Microsoft Latin America, will replace Alvaro Jaramillo Buitrago, who was appointed interim CEO after Fabio Ramirez Villegas stepped down as Chief Executive Officer.

“Appointing Hernán Rincón as the head of Avianca Holdings S.A. and Avianca S.A.  coincides with the beginning of a new phase in which strengthening of the organization is crucial to cope with the changes of the environment. The latter, however, requires a rigorous adjustment of our strategy in order to maintain Avianca’s high quality of service and business competitiveness, after almost 100 years of continuous service to travelers in Colombia, Latin America and the world. A challenge that, I’m sure, Mr. Rincón will know how to take on supported by the talent, vision, creativity and leadership that have characterized him throughout his successful career,” said Chairman Efromovich.

Hernán Rincón, the newly appointed CEO, stated: “I feel deeply honored to assume a leading role in an organization whose mission includes maintaining and expanding Latin America’s connectivity to the world, generating development, employment and quality of life for hundreds of men and women who in one way or another are part of Avianca Holdings, its subsidiaries and its large network of suppliers and commercial partners.  With the energy these new challenges demand and the support of the more than 21,000 employees that are part of this organization I will work relentlessly to generate long-term value for our clients, commercial partners and investors prioritizing operational efficiency and superior service as the only way to maintain the preference and loyalty of thousands of travelers that choose Avianca on a daily basis to travel to America and the world”.

Hernan Rincón, Avianca Holdings’ new CEO, has had a career in various companies in the technology and telecommunications industries such as Microsoft, Ferag Americas, Cocelco and Unisys. Rincon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the State University of New York and   a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universidad de los Andes, in Colombia, Mr. Rincon also holds a Masters degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he was awarded the Edward S. Mason Fellowship.