New non-exec chairman appointed at Jet2

Leeds-headquartered leisure travel group, Jet2 plc, has confirmed its current senior independent non-executive director, Robin Terrell, has been appointed non-executive chairman.  

Following the announcement on 6 July 2023 of Philip Meeson’s intention to step down as executive chairman, his remaining executive responsibilities have now been fully handed over. 

Terrell was appointed as an independent non-executive director in April 2020, just as the pandemic was taking hold. 

Since then, he has also taken on the expanded remit of chair of both the company’s Audit & Risk Committee and Remuneration Committee.

In November 2022, he was appointed as the company’s senior independent non-executive director. 

He originally qualified as a chartered accountant, going on to lead online and retail businesses including Amazon UK, John Lewis Direct and Tesco UK.

He will succeed Meeson with effect from today – 5 September – with Meeson standing down from the Board and moving to the position of founder & adviser.

On an interim basis, Terrell will remain chair of the company’s Audit & Risk Committee pending the recruitment of a further independent non-executive director who has recent and relevant financial experience, at which point he will step down from the Audit & Risk Committee.

Simon Breakwell will take on the role of chair of the Remuneration Committee with effect from today, with Terrell remaining a member of that committee.

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, providing great support to Steve and Gary.

“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.”

Terrell said: “It is an immense privilege to be asked to chair a company of the calibre of Jet2 plc and I am very much looking forward to this new challenge.  

“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.”

Steve Heapy, chief executive officer, 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’ve 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.”