June 10 (Reuters) - Fastjet, the African budgetairline backed by easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou,said its Executive Chairman David Lenigas has stepped down withimmediate effect.
Chief Executive Ed Winter will take over Lenigas'responsibilities on an interim basis and the search for apermanent non-executive chairman was underway, the company saidin a statement on Monday.
Fastjet is majority owned by British conglomerate Lonrho where Lenigas was chairman until September last year.
"This is a time of transition for fastjet both operationallyand in terms of shareholder structure as its major shareholder,Lonrho, is likely to have a new owner in the coming weeks as aresult of the current offer for Lonrho," said Lenigas.
"It therefore seems to be a good time for me to step down topursue my other interests and handover the reins as fastjetmoves to the next stage of growth," he said.