SIA Engineering's William Tan to retire; Png Kim Chiang named new CEO

SIA Engineering Company (SIAEC)'s CEO, William Tan, 62, will be retiring with effect from April 1 this year. He will be handing over the reins to Png Kim Chiang, who is currently the company's executive vice president (operations).

Mr Tan has served as SIAEC's CEO since April 2001. Under his leadership, SIAEC has emerged as a leading player in the Asia- Pacific for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul services, the company said in a statement.

He had steered the SIAEC group through some of its most challenging times, including those precipitated by the events of 9/11, the 2003 SARS outbreak and the 2008 global financial downturn, the company's chairman, Stephen Lee, noted.

"William's unwavering focus on quality standards and service excellence, and his commitment to develop and nurture the future leaders of the company, has given SIAEC a lasting legacy," said Mr Lee.

Mr Png, 56, had joined Singapore Airlines in 1975, and has had 40 years of experience in the aerospace industry. He had served in various senior management positions in SIA and was appointed senior vice president (services) of SIAEC in 2001.

Mr Png was appointed senior vice president (commercial) in 2005 and senior vice president (aircraft and component services) in 2009.

Since 2010, following his appointment as executive vice president (operations), Mr Png has been overseeing the operations of aircraft and component services, line maintenance and fleet management, as well as the support services of marketing, information technology, engineering, quality, safety and facilities development.