ETC.L Regulatory News (ETC)

26 Feb 2008 10:30

Et-china.com International Holdings26 February 2008 26 February 2008 ET-CHINA.COM INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED ("Et-china" or "the Company") Directorate Change Et-china.com International Holdings Limited, the leading travel services groupin the fast growing region of South China, announces that Ranjit Murugason,Non-Executive Chairman, is to stand down with immediate effect. Mr Murugason hasrecently taken on the full time position at an international group and thereforebelieves he is no longer able to devote the required time to the Chairmanshiprole at Et-china. Mr Ian Smith currently Non-Executive Director will step up immediately to takeover from Mr. Murugason as Chairman. Mr Smith has spent more than 35 years inthe travel industry in the UK and served for 11 years on the main Board ofThomson Travel Group plc (now Tui plc). He has also previously held the role ofChairman at Thomson Breakaway, Crystal International Holidays, Austravel and SunVillas Florida Direct. In addition he led Lunn Poly for 10 years during the1990's and under his stewardship Lunn Poly with its 800 shops, grew to becomethe largest and most profitable travel distributor in the UK. Matthew Ng, Chief Executive Officer, said: "On behalf of the Board, I would liketo thank Ranjit for his significant contribution, advice and encouragement toEt-china both as Chairman and as a Director through the IPO process and now as alisted company. We wish him every success in the future. "I would also like to welcome Ian Smith to his new position as Chairman of theCompany. Ian brings a vast wealth of highly relevant experience and I amconfident he will bring exceptional value to the Company as we continue togrow". Ian Smith commented: "I am looking forward to taking up the position as Chairmanof Et-china through what promises to be an exciting few years as we look toconsolidate and build upon our position as the leading travel services businessin South China." Ends Contact details for enquiries:Et-china.com International Holdings Limited +44 (0)207 067 0700Matthew Ng Seymour Pierce, Nomad and Broker +44 (0)207 107 8000Mark Percy Weber Shandwick Financial +44 (0)207 067 0700Terry GarrettStephanie BadjonatJohn Moriarty This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange