EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren is to step down early in 2025 after seven years at the helm of the budget carrier.
Chief financial officer Kenton Jarvis, who joined the airline in February 2021, will succeed Lundgren, a former deputy chief executive at Tui, the airline announced alongside half year financial results.
Jarvis will continue in his current role during a transition period and a search for his successor will commence shortly, according to the airline.
Lundgren, credited with devising and launching easyJet holidays, said: “I congratulate Kenton on being nominated my successor, it is fully deserved, and I will work closely with him and the whole executive team to achieve this year’s goals and hand over responsibilities smoothly at the end of the year.
“There are important things still to accomplish over the balance of the year, but when the time comes I will leave EasyJet with a great sense of loyalty and of pride at the progress made and the potential the Company has for the future.”
EasyJet chair Sir Stephen Hester said: “We are sad that Johan will retire from EasyJet.
“He has done an excellent job as our CEO since December 2017; steering the company through the immense challenges of the Covid period, and setting up a clear strategy and strong execution plan towards its ambition of ‘being Europe’s most loved airline, winning for customers, shareholders and our people’.
“There is good positive momentum and Johan will be with us to close out the current year which we hope will be another one of strong progress.”
He added: ”We are also delighted to be able to announce Kenton as our next CEO, allowing an orderly and seamless transition.
“The appointment was made after a thorough process with a strong internal and external field of candidates. We are focused on executing the medium term plan and related financial targets set out earlier this year and see Kenton as the ideal person to lead our executive team to that end.
“He has impressed since joining EasyJet in 2021, is fully bought in to the plan and will hit the ground running.”
Jarvis said: “I am delighted to have been appointed the next CEO of EasyJet and thank the board and my colleagues for their trust and confidence.
“I am a huge believer in the future for our airline, which is powered by the talents and enthusiasm of our front line staff. I will be immensely proud to lead our teams to fulfil easyJet’s bright potential.”