The chairman of fashion retailer Next has emerged as a leading candidate to chair easyJet.
John Barton is tipped as being on a shortlist of contenders vying to replace Sir Mike Rake, who is due to step down from the role at the airline this summer.
The board of easyJet has yet to make a decision about Sir Mike’s successor and sources said that at least one other person was still in the frame alongside Barton, Sky News reported.
“His is one of the names in the mix but it isn’t the only one,” an ‘insider’ told the news network.
Barton (68) was described as probably being viewed by easyJet shareholders as a safe option to take on the role. He has chaired Next since 2006 and would be expected to hand over the reins at some point in the next couple of years.
He has also chaired companies including Brit Insurance, Cable & Wireless Worldwide and Jardine Lloyd Thompson.
An easyJet spokesman declined to comment.