20 Apr 2016 13:37
Air Partner plc
BOARD CHANGES
Air Partner plc, the global aviation services group, is pleased to announce the following changes to the Board of Directors.
Amanda Wills CBE has today been appointed with immediate effect as an Independent Non-executive director and as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and Remuneration Committee.
Amanda started her career with Airtours plc in 1987 and was CEO of Virgin Holidays Travel Group from 2001 to 2014. She is currently Non-Executive Director of eDreams ODIGEO S.A., a global online travel agency listed on the Madrid Stock Exchange and Chairman of Urbanologie.com, a digital start up business catering for the high net worth and luxury sector. Amanda was awarded a CBE in the Queen's 2015 New Year Honours list for services to the British travel industry and to charity.
Air Partner is also pleased to announce the appointment of Shaun Smith with effect from 1 May 2016 as an Independent Non-executive director and as a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and Remuneration Committee.
Shaun Smith began his career in retail management and corporate treasury at Marks and Spencer plc before joining Aga Rangemaster Group plc (formerly Glynwed International Plc) in 1989, becoming Group Treasurer in 1999 and Group Finance Director from 2001, until its recent takeover. He was appointed Group Finance Director of Norcros plc on 4 April 2016.
There are no disclosures to be made under Listing Rule 9.6.13R other than the current and past directorships referred to in this announcement.
Andrew Wood, Independent Non-executive director, Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee has decided to step down from the Board after five years and will retire as a director at the Company's AGM on 29 June. Andrew is also Non-executive director and Chairman of the Audit Committees of Berendsen plc, Lavendon Group plc and Stobart Group Limited. On Andrew's retirement, Peter Saunders will be appointed as Senior Independent Director and Shaun Smith will be appointed Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Richard Everitt, Chairman of Air Partner commented:
"I am delighted that Amanda and Shaun have agreed to join the Air Partner Board.
Amanda's international experience and understanding of the travel industry and development of ecommerce will be highly beneficial to our business. Having served in a variety of executive director roles, Shaun brings a wealth of experience in finance, leadership and strategic planning.
I would like to thank Andrew Wood for his five years of service as a member of the Board, Audit and Remuneration Committees, and on behalf of everyone at Air Partner I wish him well for the future.
The changes announced today are in line with our on-going programme to ensure that we have the optimum balance of skills, experience and knowledge on the Board."
20th April 2016
Enquiries:
Air Partner T. 01293 844788
Mark Briffa, CEO
Justin Scarborough, Director of Corporate Development and IR T. 01293 848570
Temple Bar Advisory (Financial PR advisor) T. 020 7002 1080
Tom Allison M.07789 998 020
Ed Orlebar
Alycia MacAskill
About Air Partner:
Founded in 1961, Air Partner is a global aviation services group that provides worldwide solutions to industry, commerce, governments and private individuals. The Group is structured into four reporting divisions: Commercial Jets, Private Jets, Freight and Baines Simmons. The Commercial Jet division charters large airliners to move groups of any size. Cabot Aviation, which is formed within the Commercial Jet division, provides comprehensive remarketing programmes for all types of commercial and corporate aircraft to a wide range of international clients. Private Jets offers the company's unique pre-paid JetCard scheme and on-demand charter. Air Partner Freight charters aircraft of every size to fly almost any cargo anywhere, at any time. Baines Simmons is a world leader in Aviation Safety Consulting which specialises in aviation regulation, compliance and safety management. Air Partner is headquartered alongside Gatwick airport in the UK. Air Partner operates 24/7 year-round and has 20 offices globally. Air Partner is listed on the London Stock Exchange (AIR) and is also ISO 9001:2008 compliant for commercial airline and private jet solutions worldwide. www.airpartner.com