News

Flybe confirms Simmons’ role as part of management shake-up

Former easyJet UK director Paul Simmons is joining Flybe as part of a senior management shake-up.

Simmons, who announced his departure from the budget carrier last week, will become chief commercial officer at loss-making Flybe from October 28.

He will join former easyJet colleague Saad Hammad who took over as chief executive of Flybe on August 1. Hammad was chief commercial officer at easyJet for four years until 2009.

Flybe chief financial officer Andrew Knuckey is to step down after eight years with the carrier.

Corporate strategy director Mark Chown, Flybe outsourcing solutions managing director Mike Rutter and Flybe UK managing director Andrew Strong will step down from the board with immediate effect. They will continue to report to Hammad, the airline said.

Simmons was responsible for the commercial programme and revenue delivery across 11 easyJet bases and 110 aircraft, playing a lead role in transforming the UK from one of the airline’s worst performing territories to one its strongest, Flybe added.

Flybe announced annual losses of £40.7 million in June and agreed on Friday to sell its Gatwick take off and landing slots to easyJet for £20 million as part of restructuring efforts.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.