Flybe’s chairman Jim French has stepped down to be replaced by Simon Laffin with immediate effect.
French who has been at the regional carrier since 1990 also gave up the post of chief executive with the appointment of Saad Hammad in August.
Laffin is currently chairman of the healthcare property specialist Assura Group and previously held an executive role at supermarket firm Safeway.
French said that the appointment of Laffin as Flybe’s non-executive chairman was part of an “orderly transition” at the airline.
“We are fortunate to have attracted two high-calibre and experienced individuals to lead the group in the future,” added French.
Hammad added: “Jim French deserves recognition as the architect of Flybe’s development into a leading regional airline.”
Flybe is currently undergoing a major restructuring under former Easyjet executive Hammad as the airline looks to become “more low cost”.
Laffin said: “Flybe has many challenges ahead, but I believe that under the new management team the group will be developed into a leading regional aviation operator.”
flybe.com