easyJet announces new chief executive

easyJet has chosen Carolyn McCall as its new chief executive to replace the outgoing Andrew Harrison.

McCall, who will also become a board member of the airline, joins from Guardian Media Group where she has undertaken a number of roles including, since 2006, the position of group chief executive. easyJet’s statement descrobes McCall as having “a proven track record of successful operational delivery in a fast changing on-line consumer facing business combined with extensive plc board and government and lobbying experience”.

McCall’s joining date will be confirmed in due course but it is expected to be during summer 2010.

"On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Carolyn to easyJet,” remarked Sir Michael Rake, chairman of easyJet. “Following a thorough process involving a number of high calibre candidates we have unanimously chosen a strong chief executive with the strategic ability, operational capability and passion to drive easyJet through the next stage of its development and we look forward to working with Carolyn.”

On her appointment, McCall commented, “I am proud to become the chief executive of a company that has achieved so much in the past 15 years including its leading presence on Europe’s most popular air transport routes. I am committed to building on easyJet’s strengths;  a strong consumer proposition predicated on offering the lowest fares to the most convenient airports, leadership positions in many of Europe's most popular airports and an operating model that is built around simplicity and low cost.

“As a customer of easyJet I know that they have outstanding people who deliver a winning customer experience and I am looking forward to working with the whole team at easyJet to take the business forward.”

McCall has held directorships of Tesco and Lloyds Banking Group though her only other current board appointment is with New Look. She has also chaired Opportunity Now.