Leeds-based Jet2 plc announced that Robin Terrell, the company’s current senior independent non-executive director, has been appointed as non-executive chairman with immediate effect.
Jet2 announced in July that executive chairman Philip Meeson is standing down from the board and moving to the position of Founder & Adviser.
“Following the announcement on 6 July 2023 of Philip Meeson’s intention to step down as executive chairman, his remaining executive responsibilities have now been fully handed over,” said Jet2.
“In parallel, the board has collectively and carefully considered the qualities, skillset and experience required of a new non-executive chairman.
“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.
“Consequently, it was unanimously agreed that the natural candidate for the role should be Robin Terrell.
“Robin was appointed as an independent non-executive director in April 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic was taking hold.
“Since then, Robin has helped the company navigate the most tumultuous period in its history and also taken on the expanded remit of chair of both the company’s Audit & Risk Committee and Remuneration Committee. In November 2022, he was appointed as the company’s Senior Independent Non-Executive Director.
“Robin has had a highly successful executive career, originally qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, and going on to lead online and retail businesses including Amazon UK, John Lewis Direct and Tesco UK.
“His background in online and consumer industries is ideally suited to supporting the executive team as they lead the company’s next phase of development and ensuring the continuation of the company’s laser sharp focus on the customer experience which has been so successfully embedded by Philip Meeson and chief executive officer, Steve Heapy.
“Robin will succeed Philip with effect from today with Philip standing down from the board and moving to the position of Founder & Adviser, allowing the company to continue to draw on his wisdom and experience from leading the group over the last four decades as appropriate.
“On an interim basis, Robin will remain chair of the company’s Audit & Risk Committee pending the recruitment of a further independent non-executive director who has recent and relevant financial experience, at which point he will step down from the Audit & Risk Committee.
“Simon Breakwell will take on the role of chair of the Remuneration Committee with effect from today, with Robin remaining a member of that committee.
“As a consequence, at the company’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 7 September 2023 it is the company’s intention that the resolution to re-appoint Philip Meeson will be withdrawn.”
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.
“Philip can be rightly proud of the fantastic, financially robust business he has developed with the team over the last four decades, leading Jet2.com to become the UK’s third largest airline with a fleet of up to 146 of the latest fuel-efficient Airbus A321/A320neo aircraft on order and growing Jet2holidays to become the UK’s largest tour operator.
“I am delighted that we will be able to draw on Philip’s wisdom and experience when required and I look forward to his continuing support.”