EasyJet deputy chairman Sir David Michels, tipped as a potential new chairman of Thomas Cook Group, has stepped down from the board of the budget airline.
Former senior British Airways executive Charles Gurassa replaces him as deputy chairman.
At the same time, former First Choice Holidays group finance director Andy Martin is joining the board as a non-executive director alongside former KPMG European chief financial officer Adele Anderson.
Sir David has previously indicated that he would leave at the end of the year but has left with immediate effect.
He was subject to criticism from easyJet founder and the airline’s largest shareholder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou over a bonus given to former chief executive Andy Harrison and an order for 145 new aircraft ahead of a profits warning in January.
Commenting on today’s announcement, easyGroup head Sir Stelios said: “The unwillingness of Michels and the rest of this board to put this matter to a shareholder vote proves that they have lost all legitimacy to run this company as they no longer enjoy the trust of the majority of the shareholders.
“We will announce further steps to protect shareholder value next week.” EasyJet said Sir David had stepped down “in order to avoid the unnecessary costs and distraction of the EGM requested by easyGroup Holdings”.
The airline added: “As this removes the sole purpose of the easyGroup Holdings request, no EGM will be called, allowing the board and management to remain wholly focussed on running the business through the summer peak.
“Charles Gurassa will become deputy chairman and senior independent director with immediate effect.” Sven Boinet is also leaving easyJet board at the end of September at the end of his three year term.
EasyJet chairman Sir Michael Rake said: “I would like to personally thank David Michels for his major contribution to the company over the last six years as a director, deputy chairman and for six months as interim chairman and for his support to me as chairman. I would also like to thank Sven Boinet for his very important contribution to the company.
“I am very pleased to welcome Andy Martin and Adele Anderson to the Board. Their experience will strengthen the Board’s capabilities in the area of risk and financial management.”