E&M and innovation
Innovation stories - Rene Kroon
These are Innovation Stories, a series of articles in which we share the stories of inspiring people who have made innovation a part of their work and life. Today we take a look at the story of Rene Kroon, a colleague who has not only seen E&M grow, but has also played a sizeable role in that growth in an innovative way.
35 years of shaping the future of aviation Rene started his career at KLM as an intern in Hangar 12. He started his career by creating aircraft maintenance schedules—a task already considered innovative at the time. From the beginning, Rene recognised the challenges posed by the gap between planning experts and technicians on the shop floor. “Building bridges between these two worlds was a victory in itself,” Rene recalls. “Placing people front and centre—that was the way forward. No one wants to create a divide when you’re working together to complete, in this instance, a C-check.” At just 26, Rene took on his first leadership role as head of planning for Hangar 11. From that point on, he focused on organisational innovation, balancing efficiency with a deep understanding of the people behind the processes. “Even in challenging times, it’s important to approach situations from a human perspective,” he says. Social and technological innovations Rene played a pivotal role in the evolution of KLM’s Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) business, which is now known as E&M. This division grew into a professional and mature entity, enabling KLM to offer comprehensive maintenance services to other airlines beyond KLM’s operations. Rene emphasises that innovation in this context goes beyond technology: “Social innovation has always been a priority because it’s the people who make it happen. Organising inspiring team days, providing the right tools, and offering clear instructions—these are the things that truly empower people.” Innovations, he believes, should aim to support the individuals driving them and be implemented collaboratively.
Innovation as a continuous process Innovation in aviation is a challenge, particularly due to strict regulations and certifications. Yet, Rene managed to implement both social and technological innovations. He led numerous initiatives—both large and small—across operational and sales environments. Not all were successful, but as he puts it with a resilient smile, persistence paid off. His philosophy on innovation is clear: “It starts with ideas, both from within and outside the organisation. But ideas alone are not enough. They must align with your organisation’s vision and mission. For example, your product must better meet customer needs, improve your business model, or even uncover a new business opportunity. Sometimes, you have to reinvent yourself.” Spreading enthusiasm Rene has also been involved in introducing new aircraft models, such as the A320 and A350, which continue to energise him. “It’s amazing to see curiosity and enthusiasm grow within teams,” he says. For Rene, enthusiasm for new developments starts within a small group, but it quickly spreads and amplifies. A legacy of commitment and perseverance Now, after 35 years, Rene is actively contributing at the KLM Technology Hub, a space where social and technological innovations converge. He is also proud to lead the A350 introduction team within E&M. Returning to E&M feels like “coming home,” he says. “It’s special to start your career at Technical Services and then come full circle to end it with E&M after a wonderful journey with KLM.” For aspiring innovators, Rene shares a key piece of advice: “Keep building bridges between people and technology, between departments, and stay connected to the outside world. Hold on—those are the keys. Know that you will face headwinds, and prepare yourself mentally. Energy, engagement, and the right people around you are the ingredients for success."
Thom Grobben, VP Technology Hub KLM E&M: "Rene, with his enthusiastic style, is always working together with people to explore how things can be done better and smarter. A valuable asset to the E&M Tech Hub."
Do you know an inspiring innovator we should interview? We’d love to hear from you! Share their story with us at Innovation-em@klm.com.