Brussels, Belgium

EBAA launches organisational reform to strengthen the association and impact

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has announced a series of leadership changes as part of a broader organisational reform initiative aimed at enhancing the association’s effectiveness, responsiveness, and value to its members, in partnership with its national associations.

Effective immediately, Holger Krahmer has stepped down from his role as Secretary General.

Robert Baltus has recently resigned and will also depart from his position as Chief Operating Officer later this year.

Stefan Benz is appointed as interim Managing Director of the Association, effective today, with a mandate to guide the EBAA through a period of transformation.

Stefan will lead an organisational change programme. This programme will bring a leaner, more agile Association closer to its members’ and its National Associations’ partners. This is necessary during a period where several existential threats are emerging in regulation, resource availability, environmental policy, taxation and access to airspace and airports.

Under Stefan’s leadership, these changes mark the beginning of a comprehensive transformation to ensure the association is equipped to address current and future challenges, which will be implemented at pace. Amongst his priorities are:

Create a stronger association attuned to the challenges of its members.
Enhance the value proposition of the EBAA’s remit to protect the license to operate of its members, foster collaboration, and drive initiatives that strengthen the industry’s collective voice and impact.
Implement the new membership fee structure in January ’26.
Ensure EBACE remains Europe’s premier, Business Aviation event.

Juergen Wiese, Chairman of the EBAA Board of Governors commented: “We thank Holger for his contribution. We also thank Robert for his long service and continued commitment during the transition. The Association retains an excellent team. With Stefan’s appointment, we will marshal to deliver the next chapter of our journey. This will be done at pace and with the full support of the Board.”

Stefan Benz, interim Managing Director added: “The EBAA is a stronger association when working in harmony with its members and collaboratively with the National Associations. We must remember that our purpose is to protect and grow our industry, a passion that we all share as we move forward.”

Stefan Benz joins the EBAA as a veteran of the business aviation industry, bringing with him a deep understanding of the sector’s operational, commercial and regulatory dynamics. His industry expertise and strategic insight will be instrumental in guiding the association through this phase, ensuring that EBAA continues to deliver value, advocacy, and leadership on behalf of its members and the wider business aviation community.

Statement on EBACE26

In light of the above, an announcement regarding the next edition of EBACE, originally scheduled for this week, was postponed.

A statement from EBAA read: "The newly appointed Interim Managing Director Stefan Benz, working closely with the EBAA Board and in consultation with key stakeholders, is taking the opportunity to review the event’s future setup, building on the work already undertaken and ensuring alignment with the Association’s evolving strategic priorities.

"This process extends beyond decisions on the 2026 edition alone, aiming to confirm the long-term format and positioning of the show. As next year's edition will be the first pillar of the future vision, a public announcement on the dates and location of EBACE 2026 can be expected by the end of July 2025.

"EBAA remains fully committed to ensuring that EBACE continues to evolve in line with the needs of its members, exhibitors, and partners, offering a platform that reflects the priorities of Europe’s business aviation community."