Norwegian names former McDonald's director new CEO

Schram succeeds Norwegian founder Bjorn Kjos, who stood down as chief executive in July and has since taken up a role advising Norwegian chairman Niels Smedegaard.

Geir Karlsen, who has been deputising in Kjos’s absence, will continue in his role as Norwegian chief financial officer and deputy chief executive.

Schram, who Norwegian said has held management roles with convenience store Circle K, management consultant McKinsey and fast-food giant McDonald’s, will take up the role on 1 January 2020.

Smedegaard, who chairs Norwegian’s board of directors, said Schram brought more than 30 years’ “extensive management experience” with global firms, proven leadership skills, a strong commercial consumer background and “impressive record of value creation”.

“I look forward to working with Jacob and the rest of the Norwegian management team,” said Smedegaard. “Together, we will drive efficiency and continuous improvements to the benefit of our customers, shareholders and employees.”