Jet2 has confirmed that Robin Terrell, the company's current senior independent non-executive director, has been appointed as non-executive chairman.
Philip Meeson announced his intention to step down as Executive Chairman in July and now has formally handed over his remaining executive responsibilities.
Terrell was appointed as an Independent non-executive director in April 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic was taking hold. Since then, Jet2 comments that Terrell 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.
Terrell originally qualified as a Chartered Accountant, and went on to lead online and retail businesses including Amazon UK, John Lewis Direct and Tesco UK.
Terrell will succeed Meeson with effect from September 5, 2023. Meeson has stepped down from the Board and moved to the position of Founder & Adviser.
On an interim basis, Terrell will remain Chair of the Company's Audit & Risk Committee pending the recruitment of a further independent non-executive director. Simon Breakwell will take on the role of Chair of the Remuneration Committee, with Terrell remaining a member of that committee.
"I am delighted that Robin has agreed to become our Non-Executive Chairman,” said Philip Meeson. “Robin's background across consumer and online industries has already proven to be of significant benefit to the Company and I am absolutely certain he will be a fantastic Chair, providing great support to Steve and Gary. Although I am stepping back from the Board, I'm proud to remain a significant shareholder and will remain a strong supporter of the business. I am confident that, thanks to our outstanding team across the business, the Company will go on to enjoy even greater success in the future".
Robin Terrell, Non-Executive Chairman, commented: "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."
Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy praised Meeson for his “determination and unstinting commitment” to the company. “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 three 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.