Air Partner appoints Ed Warner as Non-Executive Chair of the company

Ed Warner

Air Partner plc, the global aviation services group has announced that, following a comprehensive search process, Ed Warner OBE has been appointed as Non-Executive Chair of the Company with effect from 1 April 2019. Ed will also chair the Nomination Committee and join the Remuneration Committee.

Warner has extensive PLC experience and has chaired the boards at a range of prominent organisations. He is currently Chair of Grant Thornton UK LLP, Blackrock Commodities Income Investment Trust PLC and derivatives exchange LMAX Ltd, as well as a Director of a suite of Dublin-listed investment funds managed by DCI. In addition, he is Chair of the Palace for Life Foundation and World Para Athletics. Ed was also Chair of Standard Life Private Equity Trust PLC from 2013 to the end of 2018 and of Panmure Gordon & Co between 2010 and 2016, as well as a Non-Executive Director of SafeCharge International Group from 2014 to 2016.

Warner knows the broking sector well and was a Non-Executive Director of Clarkson PLC, the world’s leading provider of integrated shipping services, for over 10 years until February 2019. He served as Acting Chair for the last 11 months of this appointment. He also has a wealth of Financial Services broking experience from years spent in senior positions at several investment banks and financial institutions, including Old Mutual Financial Services, Bankers Trust, Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and, most recently, IFX Group, where he was CEO until 2006.

Air Partner has a long-term strategy to build a more complete portfolio of aviation services, to which end it has made a number of acquisitions in the last few years. Ed has significant mergers and acquisitions experience, including the integration of numerous small accretive acquisitions, which will help support this objective.

Richard Jackson, who was appointed Chairman on an interim basis on 7 September 2018, will revert to his previous role as Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director.

Mark Briffa, CEO of Air Partner, said: “I am delighted Ed has agreed to become Chair of Air Partner’s Board and I am very much looking forward to working with him. Ed’s extensive PLC and leadership experience, along with his strong understanding of customer-centric businesses, is well suited to Air Partner and will help us to further capitalise on opportunities to diversify and grow our business. I would also like to thank Richard Jackson for the excellent support he has provided as Interim Chairman. His commitment has been much appreciated and enabled the Company to successfully navigate a challenging period.”

Ed Warner, Chairman designate of Air Partner plc, said: “I am delighted to be joining Air Partner as Chair. Excellent progress has been made against the Group’s organic and acquisitive growth strategy, and Air Partner’s customer offering is well respected across its international markets. I am confident we can continue to grow and develop our enviable customer base from here, and I am very much looking forward to working with the team to help the Company reach its full potential.”