Directorate Change

RNS Number : 1584Q

easyJet PLC

06 April 2009

 



6th April 2009

easyJet plc announcement of resignation of Sir Colin Chandler, Chairman of easyJet plc and appointment of Sir Michael Rake as Deputy Chairman

easyJet plc today announced that Sir Colin Chandler will step down as Chairman of easyJet with effect from 1 July 2009. Sir Colin announced his intention to stand down this year at the easyJet AGM on 5 February 2009 and that a search for his successor was underway. Sir David Michels, currently the Senior Independent Director, has agreed to serve as Interim Chairman from 1 July 2009 until a permanent successor to Sir Colin is appointed. 

The Company is also pleased to announce that Sir Michael Rake will join the Board as Deputy Chairman in the early summer prior to Sir Colin's departure. Sir Michael is an experienced international business leader of exceptional calibre and is currently Chairman of British Telecommunications plc prior to which he was Chairman of KPMG International.

Sir Colin joined easyJet board in April 2002 and was appointed Chairman in that year. Under Sir Colin's Chairmanship easyJet has developed into a truly pan-European airline operating Europe's leading transport network. This network ensures easyJet has a broad appeal across geographies and customer types and has enabled a flight to value for passengers which has meant that easyJet continues to gain market share in the current environment.

Sir David Michels, Senior Independent Director commented:

'Colin's business acumen allied to his charm, humour and warmth are appreciated by all who come into contact with him and, whilst everyone at easyJet will miss him enormously, we all wish him much happiness in the future.'

'Colin's contribution to the success of easyJet has been significant. Under his stewardship easyJet has developed into a major European airline, carries over 43 million customers each year and has built Europe's premier air transport network. easyJet plc has also become financially strong and has built up the financial resources to ensure that it will emerge well positioned from the current economic downturn. The Board of easyJet is confident in the future prospects for easyJet and is delighted that a business leader of the stature of Sir Michael Rake has agreed to join the company as Deputy Chairman.'

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, easyJet founder and Non-Executive Director, said:

'I would like to thank Sir Colin for his leadership of the board and excellent years of service to easyJet. Having participated with other colleagues in these new appointments, I look forward to working more fully with Sir David and welcoming Sir Michael onto the Board as we take easyJet into the future.'

Sir Colin Chandler commented:

'It has been very satisfying over the past 6 years as Chairman to see easyJet develop into a truly pan European airline operating the premier European air transport network. However, as time moves on, it is very important that I now create more time to enjoy my family life. I am tremendously proud of what we have achieved at easyJet and am confident in easyJet's future success.'

End

Enquiries should be directed to:

easyJet plc

Institutional Investors:

Rachel Kentleton, Investor Relations                  [phone]

Media:

Toby Nicol, Corporate Communications            [phone]

Notes:

Listing Rule 9.6.13 statement:

Sir Michael is also currently a non-executive director of Barclays plc. There is no further information to be disclosed under Listing Rule 9.6.13

 

END

 

 

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