Chris Smyth

South African Airways Acting CEO

Chris Smyth holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree as well as a Post graduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Natal, is a qualified Chartered Accountant (South Africa) and holds a current commercial pilots licence. Mr Smyth has extensive financial experience in the African aviation industry, having filled the position of General Manager in charge of Flight and Airport Operations at SAA. In prior positions he was Group Finance Director for Kenya Airways from 2001 until 2005 and Chief Financial Officer and Board Director for Virgin Nigeria Airways from 2005 until 2007. He was a key member of the Virgin Nigeria start up team, which raised the airline’s initial capital in the Nigerian private equity markets and started up the airline from scratch. Other positions held include Finance Executive/Director, Radiospoor Telecoms and Group Financial Director at National Airways Corporation.