Tebogo to Take Over as South African Airways New CCO

In preparation for leaving South African Airways at the end of August, Interim Chief Commercial Officer Simon Newton-Smith is transitioning the role to Tebogo Tsimane as the new Interim Chief Commercial Officer.

Tebego has several years of experience in senior roles within the commercial and operational environment at South African Airways.

Newton-Smith says, “My job was to support the team in restarting SAA, rebuilding market confidence and ensure that our passenger and cargo loads were maximized during a tough operating environment.

I am very proud of what the Commercial team and our colleagues right across the business have achieved since our September 2021 restart.

After a year leading the team and with the foundation set for the next chapter in SAA’s rebuild, now is the right time for me to hand the reigns to Tebogo.”

SAA’s Interim Chair and CEO Professor John Lamola says, “Simon has brought much needed stability to our commercial operation in the time he has been here, and he leaves with our appreciation and deep thanks.

Tebogo has been with SAA for a number of years in various senior roles, has an exceptional understanding of the complexities of the new aviation operating environment and knows exactly what SAA needs to do to remain successful and profitable”.