Markus Klaushofer has been replaced by an interim chief executive officer at Malta International Airport, the company said yesterday.

In a company statement released on the Malta Stock Exchange, MIA gave no reason for the change, which was “effective immediately”.

It is unclear whether Mr Klaushofer resigned or whether his appointment was terminated by the company. Alan Borg, the former chief commercial officer and executive director, was appointed CEO ad interim.

“Chairman and the board of directors would like to thank the outgoing CEO and executive director Markus Klaushofer for his leadership and contribution to the company since his appointment in 2011,” the short statement concluded.

MIA is a listed company and the government holds a minority stake. The principle shareholder is a foreign consortium that includes Vienna Airport.

Mr Klaushofer was appointed CEO in November 2011, officially taking up his post two months later.

No reason given for the sudden change

He had previously served as a non-executive board member of MIA between 2007 and 2009. Mr Borg started off in 2007 as head of airline marketing at MIA, working his way up to general manager of the Skyparks office block project between 2010 and 2012.

Two years ago Mr Borg was appointed chief commercial officer, a post he occupied until yesterday.

MIA’s share price yesterday closed at €2.44, an increase of 2c on the previous day. The announcement was made at the close of trading.