Robin Terrell has been named as the successor to Philip Meeson as chair of Jet2.
A qualified chartered accountant, Terrell led online and retail businesses including Amazon UK, John Lewis Direct and Tesco UK.
He joined the tour operating and airline group as an independent non-executive director in April 2020, just as the Covid-19 pandemic was taking hold.
Terrell helped the company “navigate the most tumultuous period in its history” and was appointed as senior independent non-executive director last November.
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He succeeds Meeson in the role of non-executive chair from today (Tuesday).
Meeson, who announced in July his intention to step down as executive chairman, moves to the position of founder & adviser, “allowing the company to continue to draw on his wisdom and experience from leading the Group over the last four decades as appropriate”.
The Yorkshire businessman bought the business in 1983, when it was a small cargo airline and distribution company serving the Channel Islands.
The company listed in November 1988 and has since become one of the UK’s leading leisure travel businesses.
Meeson said: “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.
“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.”
Terrell said: “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.”
Chief executive Steve Heapy added: “As a result of his determination and unstinting commitment to Jet2, Philip has enabled -countless UK consumers to enjoy value for money, customer-first holiday experiences across Europe, whilst creating significant employment throughout the aviation and travel sectors.
“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.”
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