UK budget carrier EasyJet’s chief financial officer, Andrew Findlay, is stepping down from his position next year.
Findlay has advised the board of his intention to leave the low-cost carrier in May 2021, in line with contractual obligations.
He had survived a 22 May bid by EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou to oust him and three other senior board members, part of a bitter dispute centred on an order for Airbus jets.
EasyJet says it will begin a search for a successor but that Findlay, in the meantime, will continue managing his responsibilities.
Chief executive Johan Lundgren says Findlay has provided “solid financial steerage”, particularly during the coronavirus crisis when the airline quickly secured liquidity and cut its cash burn.
Findlay has not disclosed his future plans but says he remains “fully committed to the business” in the meantime.
“It will be the right time to pass the financial reins to someone who will help take EasyJet into its next chapter,” he says.
Findlay joined the airline in October 2015 after being recruited from cycling and motoring accessory firm Halfords.
He points out that shareholders “supported” him during the 22 May extraordinary general meeting, and says: “I intend to repay that support in the coming year.”
