EasyJet boss Andy Harrison to succeed Alan Parker at Whitbread

Whitbread has announced that EasyJet boss Andy Harrison will succeed Alan Parker as chief executive.

Harrison will join the Premier Inn, Costa Coffee and pub-restaurant operator from EasyJet, where he will leave his post as chief executive at the end of June.

He will be chief executive designate in September, before taking on full responsibility when Alan Parker retires on his 64th birthday on 25 November.

Referring to Harrison' s work as both chief executive of EasyJet and, prior to that, the RAC, Whitbread chairman Anthony Habgood said: "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."

Andy Harrison said the move was the ideal step for him. "Whitbread has a great history and strong culture with an exciting future ahead," he said. "Alan and his colleagues have done an outstanding job and I look forward to working with the team to build on their achievements."

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Alan Parker >> By James Stagg

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