Thomas Cook Regulatory News (TCG)

Thomas Cook Group plc

Chairman appointment

21 September 2011

The Board of Thomas Cook Group plc today announces the appointment of Frank Meysman as Chairman Designate from 1 October 2011. He will become Chairman from 1 December 2011, when Michael Beckett retires from the Board.

Frank, a Belgian national aged 59, had a successful executive career in dynamic global brand companies, including Procter & Gamble between 1977 and 1986, Douwe Egberts between 1986 and 1990 and The Sara Lee Corporation between 1990 and 2003, where, from 1997, he was Executive Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors.

Since leaving Sara Lee, Frank has been a non-executive Director, including Chairman, of a number of public and private international companies, where he has continued to build on the success of his former executive career.

Commenting on the appointment, Roger Burnell, the Senior Independent Director said, "Frank's successful international executive career, coupled with his experience as a non-executive Director and Chairman makes him an excellent choice for Thomas Cook."

Michael Beckett said, "I am pleased to hand over to Frank Meysman following his appointment as our next Chairman. His experience and knowledge of international markets will be valuable to the Group in the future. I look forward to working with him over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition."

Frank Meysman said "The Group currently faces a number of significant challenges, but in the medium to longer-term we will be well positioned to build shareholder value on the back of premium brands and a fine heritage in the UK as well as internationally. I am delighted to have been given such an exciting opportunity and I look forward to working with my new executive and non-executive colleagues on the Board."

There are no disclosures to be made pursuant to paragraph 9.6.13R(1)-(6) the Listing Rules.

Notes to Editors:

The Nominations Committee, comprising independent non-executive Directors and led by Roger Burnell, the Senior Independent Director, conducted a comprehensive search assisted by Egon Zehnder International. The Committee took soundings from the Company's major shareholders and advisors, before making a unanimous recommendation to the Board.

Frank Meysman has a strong track record in international companies, both at the operational management and strategic levels. His particular strength is in marketing and he is known for his achievements in both brand building and product innovation. His executive career concluded at The Sara Lee Corporation, where he was Executive Vice President and a member of the Board of Directors.

He has extensive experience as a non-executive Director and Chairman of international companies. In the past these have included Zeneca Group plc (listed in the UK) and Corporate Express (listed in Holland), where he was Chairman. He currently holds a small number of non-executive Directorships and Chairman roles in European based international companies.

Enquiries: