5 Nov 2013 07:00
Flybe Group PLC
("Flybe" or "the Group")
Appointment of Simon Laffin as non-executive Chairman
Flybe Group plc (LSE: FLYB) announces that Jim French has today stood down as non-executive Chairman. Simon Laffin has been appointed non-executive Chairman with immediate effect.
Simon is currently Chairman of Assura Group Limited and Chairman of the Audit Committee at Quintain Estates & Development PLC.
Previously, Simon was Group Finance and Property Director at Safeway plc between 1994 and 2004 and has served as a non-executive Director at Aegis Group Plc, Mitchells & Butlers plc, Northern Rock plc (as part of the rescue team), as well as Chairman of the Hozelock Group. Simon also provides advisory services to private equity and other companies.
Simon is also qualified as an instrument-rated private pilot.
Jim French CBE commented:
"I joined Flybe in 1990 and have been privileged to lead the company as Chief Executive since 2001, adding the role of Chairman in 2005. As part of an orderly transition in August this year we appointed Saad Hammad as Chief Executive Officer, and today we announce the appointment of Simon Laffin as our new non-executive Chairman. We are fortunate to have attracted two high calibre and experienced individuals to lead the group in the future. I wish Simon and Saad, the executive team and all members of staff the very best for the future."
Saad Hammad (CEO) commented:
"Jim French deserves recognition as the architect of Flybe's development into a leading regional airline and, on behalf of everyone at Flybe, I would like to thank him for his contribution over many years.
"I am pleased to welcome Simon Laffin to the Flybe Group plc board as our non-executive Chairman. We have an exciting time ahead and I look forward to working closely with Simon whose extensive board experience of diverse businesses will be of immense importance to me and the executive team.
Simon Laffin commented:
"I am delighted to be joining the Board and, in particular, look forward to working with Saad Hammad. Flybe has many challenges ahead, but I believe that under the new management team the Group will be developed into a leading regional aviation operator."
5 November 2013
Enquiries:
Flybe Group plc | Tel: +44 20 7457 2020 |
Saad Hammad, Chief Executive Officer | |
Niall Duffy, Director of Communications | |
College Hill | Tel: +44 20 7457 2020 |
Mark Garraway | |
Helen Tarbet |