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Jim French (businessman)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

James French CBE DL (born 4 July 1953) is the former chairman and CEO of the airline Flybe. He owned approximately 7% of the overall business.[1]

History

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French began his aviation career in 1970 with Caledonian Airways, before joining AirUK in 1980 French first joined Flybe in 1990, when it was known as Jersey European Airways;[2] becoming commercial director shortly after. He subsequently became deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer. In 2001, French became chief executive of Flybe and became chairman in 2005.[2]

French retired as CEO of Flybe in August 2013 and became non-executive chairman.[3] Saad Hammad, formerly of EasyJet airline, became CEO[3] and Simon Laffin became Chairman.[4]

Awards

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French was appointed a CBE in 2009.[2]

He is a Deputy Lieutenant of Devon.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Times, The (30 November 2010). "Flybe set to raise £60 million in flotation". www.thetimes.com. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "Flybe chairman Jim French to stand down". The Independent. 5 November 2013. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  3. ^ a b Topham, Gwyn; correspondent, transport (3 July 2013). "Outspoken Flybe chief executive stands down after 12 years". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 25 November 2019. {{cite news}}: |last2= has generic name (help)
  4. ^ "Flybe cuts another 500 jobs to 'secure future'", The Daily Telegraph, 11 November 2013
  5. ^ Meet the Deputy Lieutenants