Budget airline and package holiday firm Jet2 announces new chairman

Jet2 have revealed Robin Terrell, the company’s current senior independent non-executive director, has been appointed as non-executive chairman.

Terrell replaces Philip Meeson following the announcement on 6 July in which Meeson announced he was stepping down. 

The budget airline and package holiday business outlined its reasons for unanimously agreeing on the appointment of Terrell as the company’s new chairman.

In a statement, Jet2 said: ‘Of particular importance was the need to ensure a seamless leadership transition together with the requirements to support the company’s continued growth ambitions, uphold its established values of people, service, profits and contribute to its long-term success in continuing to deliver a customer first experience. 

‘Furthermore, the board recognised that practical experience of the business and its culture, plus strong relationships with the senior management team, were key criteria for any appointment to ensure continuity of culture and strategy.’

Terrell, who qualified as a chartered accountant, previously led online and retail businesses including Amazon UK, John Lewis Direct and Tesco UK. 

Robin Terrell said: ‘It is an immense privilege to be asked to chair a company of the calibre of Jet2 plc and I am very much looking forward to this new challenge.

‘Over my three years with the company, I have seen first-hand the unmatched customer focus, attention to detail and level of engagement from Colleagues around the business and it has been a pleasure to be a member of the board.’

In July, Jet2 were lifted by buoyant demand for package holidays as Britons seek certainty on spending in a cost of living crisis, helping it meet annual profit forecasts.

The holiday group has opted to restart its final dividend after a pandemic hiatus, paying out 8 pence per share.

Steve Heapy, chief executive officer, said: ‘As a result of his determination and unstinting commitment to Jet2, Philip has enabled countless UK consumers to enjoy value for money, 

‘On behalf of all Jet2 Colleagues, I want to pay tribute to his remarkable career and we look forward to his continued support as an adviser. I am very pleased that Robin has agreed to become our non-executive chairman. 

‘We have worked well together in the 3 years that Robin has been on the Board, and his new role will be pivotal as we continue our unwavering commitment to our Customers and deliver on our strategy to be the UK’s Leading and Best Leisure Travel company.’

Jet2 shares were down by 1.04 per cent to 1,045p in afternoon trading on Tuesday.