This is apropos a Business Recorder news item "PIA hunts for CEO after Hildenbrand exit" carried by the newspaper on Saturday. According to it, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) advertised the vacant position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) only in local newspapers, after the former CEO Bernd Hildenbrand, a German national, was ousted amid controversial circumstances.
The news report adds: "As per the PIA advertisement, the national airline is implementing its focused revival strategy to steer the company on path of growth and success. The airline requires a highly experienced, dynamic and passionate professional with strong operational, financial and commercial acumen to be hired as a full-time Chief Executive on contract basis. The Chief Executive shall be the focal position to implement the turnaround strategy for the national carrier."
The airline may be able to attract attention of quite a few individuals meeting its requirements. Insofar as the post of CEO is concerned the question is: Will the next CEO be able to deliver? The government must not lose sight of the fact that the national airline will never recover in the absence of a professional approach to business. Unfortunately, however, the government approach to this entity is strongly characterised by political exigencies.