EasyJet CEO To Step Down As Southend Hub Reopens

Johan Lundgren is to step down as chief executive of Britain’s biggest budget airline, easyJet, within 12 months after seven years at the helm. He will be replaced by chief financial officer Kenton Jarvis, the carrier said, as it announced reduced half-year losses.

- SIMON CALDER

Mr Lundgren, a former tour guide who joined from Tui, ran easyJet as it endured its most turbulent times since launching in 1995: the consequences of Brexit, followed by the Covid pandemic.

He said: “I congratulate Kenton on being nominated my successor. It is fully deserved, and I will work closely with him and the whole executive team to achieve this year’s goals and hand over responsibilities smoothly at the end of the year.

“There are important things still to accomplish over the balance of the year, but when the time comes, I will leave easyJet with a great sense of loyalty and of pride at the progress made and the potential the company has for the future.”

The chair of easyJet, Sir Stephen Hester, praised Mr Lundgren for “steering the company through the immense challenges of the Covid period”, as well as “setting up a clear strategy and strong execution plan towards its ambition of ‘being Europe’s most-loved airline’”.