Flybe appoints non-exec director and strengthens management team
The Group is delighted to welcome Sir Timothy (Timo) Anderson to the Board as Non-Executive Director with effect from 1 May 2014. As an Air Marshal, Timo established the Military Aviation Authority (the body responsible for military aviation safety), becoming its first Director General from 2010 to 2013, and before that was Assistant Chief of Royal Air Force Air Staff. He served in the Royal Air Force from 1979, starting as a fighter pilot, and rising through senior command appointments. He was awarded a DSO for RAF Tornado operations during the Kosovo conflict and was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) in the 2013 New Year Honours list.
Timo will join the Safety and Security Review Committee, and will chair that committee. He will also serve on the Nomination, Remuneration and Audit Committees.
Alan Smith has announced that, after nearly 9 years on the Board, he will retire as a Non-Executive Director on August 31st this year. The Board would like to place on record its great thanks for Alan’s advice, support and commitment and wish him well for the future.
Strengthening of Senior Management Team
Flybe is also pleased to announce the following senior management appointments.
Maunu Visuri has been appointed Managing Director of Flybe Finland, the Finnish operating company in the Flybe Nordic Joint Venture between Flybe and Finnair. Maunu is currently CEO of Nordic Global Airlines, white label cargo carrier based in Helsinki, Finland, jointly owned by four parties including Finnair. Prior to this, he held several senior management roles with Finnair, within technical services, aircraft finance and fleet management. He holds an Aeronautical Degree in Engineering from Helsinki University of Technology.
Maunu will commence his new role on 20 May 2014, and will report directly to the Board of Flybe Nordic. His focus will be on delivering sustainable cost reductions and delivering profit growth across all of Flybe Finland’s white label and scheduled flying operations.
Jochen Schnadt has taken up the role of Interim Director of White Label Business Development with effect from 14 April 2014, initially on a six month assignment. Reporting directly to Saad Hammad, he will lead on the development of white label opportunities, a key part of Flybe’s twin engine growth strategy as it seeks to expand white label services to national flag carriers across Europe.
Jochen has previously delivered a number of white label projects for Virgin, BA and other airlines as MD of an independent consultancy. He has also held senior leadership and commercial roles with Monarch Airlines and Aer Lingus. He holds an MSc in Air Transport from Cranfield University.
Flybe is also upgrading and making new appointments to two existing roles as the Group continues to improve commerciality and customer relations, and strengthen corporate governance.
Andrew McConnell commenced on 7 April 2014 as Director of Communications and Public Affairs, reporting directly to Chief Commercial Officer Paul Simmons. A member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, Andrew brings a wealth of experience from the travel industry with a background in corporate and public affairs for major companies such as Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express.
Andrew has spent the last six years in the aviation industry, most recently as the Head of UK Corporate and Public Affairs at Easyjet. During this time he was responsible for public affairs, corporate social responsibility, and media relations. He replaces Niall Duffy who has decided to leave to pursue other opportunities after seven years with Flybe.
Finally, Flybe is pleased to welcome Annelie Carver as General Counsel and Company Secretary, following Chris Simpson’s decision to leave the Group after eight years’ service. Annelie is currently a partner in the Corporate and Commercial team at Michelmores Solicitors, and has over 12 years’ experience advising listed and unlisted clients on company, commercial and contractual matters. Annelie will join Flybe once she has agreed a departure date from Michelmores, and will report directly to Saad Hammad. Until she joins Flybe, Andrew Knuckey will act as Company Secretary.
Saad Hammad, Chief Executive of Flybe, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Timo on board. His track record in aviation speaks for itself and we look forward to benefitting from his expertise and his counsel.
“In addition, the strengthening of our senior operational management team will accelerate the implementation of our growth strategy.
“I’d like to thank Alan, Chris and Niall for their hard work and commitment over the years. Everyone at Flybe wishes them the very best for the future.
“Today’s announcement is another important step in our journey to becoming Europe’s best local airline.”
