GREAT BAY--Dutch financial executive André Lorier has been appointed the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Windward Islands Airways International N.V. (Winair), bringing nearly three decades of experience in finance, accounting, treasury management and corporate governance to St. Maarten's national airline. Lorier will work closely with Chief Executive Officer Hans van de Velde as the airline continues expanding its regional operations and strengthening its position in Caribbean aviation.
The appointment was reported Tuesday, October 27, by Dutch financial publication CFO.nl, which highlighted Lorier's extensive professional background, including senior financial leadership positions in transportation, logistics and international business operations.
Lorier joins Winair from Royal A-ware, a major Dutch food and dairy company, where he spent the past four years. Most recently, he served as Director of Finance and Accounting, having previously held the position of CFO at AB Texel, the group's transportation subsidiary.
Before joining Royal A-ware, Lorier served as Finance Director for Europe at Blue Phoenix Group, an international company specializing in the processing and recycling of waste materials.
His professional background also includes experience with KLM, where he worked as a treasury consultant, giving him direct exposure to the financial operations and management requirements of the aviation industry.
Lorier's career encompasses financial management, accounting, treasury operations, internal controls and governance, areas that will be relevant as Winair continues to manage the financial demands associated with regional airline operations.
The appointment comes during Winair's 65th anniversary year, as the airline continues developing its regional network and pursuing opportunities to strengthen connectivity between Caribbean destinations.
Established in 1961, Winair operates from its hub at Princess Juliana International Airport on St. Maarten, connecting the island with destinations throughout the Caribbean.
According to Lorier, the airline currently serves 17 Caribbean destinations, with an operational emphasis on safety, reliability and punctuality.
In a message shared on LinkedIn following the announcement, Lorier expressed enthusiasm about joining the airline and reflected positively on his years at Royal A-ware.
His arrival coincides with several developments within Winair, including the airline's achievement of both IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) registrations earlier this year.
The airline has also been pursuing additional regional partnerships and connectivity opportunities as it seeks to strengthen its role in Caribbean transportation.
As CFO, Lorier will take on a senior financial leadership role within an airline where investment decisions, operating costs, fleet management and commercial expansion require careful financial planning.
Winair's operations involve significant expenditure associated with aircraft maintenance, fuel, personnel, airport services and regulatory compliance, making financial oversight an important component of the company's management.
The airline has not publicly specified Lorier's exact commencement date or announced whether the appointment involves additional changes within its senior management structure.
Lorier will join the executive leadership team headed by Van de Velde as Winair continues its efforts to develop regional connections and maintain sustainable operations in the Caribbean aviation market.
