[Air Mauritius] Dheerendra Kumar Dabee Appointed Chairman

The Board of Directors of Air Mauritius Limited announced on Friday, following confirmation from the Cabinet, the appointment of Dheerendra Kumar Dabee as Chairman of the board, effective immediately.

This is a significant milestone for Air Mauritius, welcoming a respected legal professional and former high-ranking civil servant to its presidency. Dheerendra Dabee brings with him legal expertise and an in-depth understanding of the Mauritian aviation sector.

A graduate in law and political science from the University of Birmingham, he was admitted to the bar at the Middle Temple in 1981. His public service career culminated in his position as Solicitor-General within the Attorney General's office, a role he held until his retirement in 2021. He continues to serve today as a legal advisor and consultant to the same office.

What particularly distinguishes Dheerendra Dabee for this strategic role is his expertise in bilateral air service negotiations. He actively participated in these crucial negotiations for the development of the Mauritian aviation sector, both as a member and as head of delegation. This experience is especially valuable in a context where air connectivity remains a vital issue for the island economy of Mauritius.

This is not his first collaboration with Air Mauritius. The new chairman has previously served on the company's Board of Directors, which gives him a deep understanding of the specific issues and challenges facing the national airline.

Throughout his career, Dheerendra Dabee has held numerous leadership roles in key institutions in the country. He has notably chaired the Medical Tribunal, the Control and Arbitration Committee of the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority (MCIA), and has served as Vice-Chairman of the Financial Services Commission (FSC).

His expertise also extends to the financial sector, having chaired the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and provided legal consulting services to various public organizations. His presence on several boards of major companies – including Metro Express Ltd, State Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, and Mauritius Telecom – reflects his versatility and ability to navigate different economic sectors.

Dheerendra Dabee is particularly recognized for his expertise in labor law, industrial relations, and contract negotiation – essential areas for managing an airline the size of Air Mauritius. These skills will be invaluable as the aviation sector continues to transform in a post-pandemic environment.