Andy Harrison

easyJet chief executive flies into new Whitbread role

5th March 2010, 4:31pm

Andy Harrison, the man credited with budget airline easyJet’s rapid expansion, has been appointed to the role of Whitbread’s new chief executive.

Harrison will succeed Alan Parker who has decided to retire from the company on his 64th birthday, 25 November 2010. The current airline chief will join Whitbread on 1st September.

Whitbread chairman Anthony Habgood said: "We are delighted with this appointment. We conducted a thorough international search and selection process and had a number of high quality candidates.

"Andy has 14 years proven experience as a successful leader of two significant consumer facing public companies. Most recently at easyJet, he has successfully led and profitably internationalised a leading value for money brand in the highly competitive airline market. Whitbread has substantial opportunities for further growth, both in the UK and through developing our international presence. We believe that Andy's skills and experience are ideally suited to lead Whitbread in taking advantage of these opportunities.

"Alan has made an invaluable contribution to the growth and development of Whitbread during his six years as Chief Executive. Under his leadership Whitbread has grown to become the UK's leading hospitality company with a strong focus on value for money brands. Andy is joining a company in good health and with excellent prospects for future growth."

Harrison added that he's delighted to be joining a group known for its "great history and strong culture".

Related Articles:

• 13 Dec 2011 - Hotel and restaurant group Whitbread achieves total sales growth of 11.4%

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