Flybe chief’s sudden departure
Saad Hammad has stepped down from his role as chief executive with immediate effect, the airline said today.
It said the decision for Hammad to leave had been made by mutual agreement.
Simon Laffin, non-executive chairman, has taken on the role of executive chairman until a new chief executive is found.
The airline said under the terms of his contract Hammed is entitled to receive 12 months notice so he will continue to receive his salary of more than £433,000 and other benefits until October 2017. He will be on gardening leave for the next 12 months.
During his notice period he will be available to ensure an orderly transition, said the airline.
Hammed will also receive £30,000 compensation for the loss of benefits and for waiving his employment rights. Flybe has also agreed to pay £4,000 towards his legal fees for obtaining advice on the termination of his employment.
Laffin said: "The Board would like to thank Saad for his energy and drive which has been a major contributor towards Flybe’s transformation over the last three years. He mapped out a clear vision for the Group and led it to a significantly stronger position. We wish him well for his next challenge.
"Whilst the whole aviation industry faces a challenging market environment, Flybe remains well placed. Our strategy remains to focus on regional routes and to provide an excellent service to our customers."
Hammed said: "I am very proud of what we have achieved over the last three years with a major turnaround in Flybe. Now is the right time for me to move on to a fresh challenge. I would like to thank all company employees for their hard work, passion and commitment and wish them all the best."
The pilots’ union BALPA took the unusual step of issuing a statement on his departure.
General Secretary, Brian Strutton, said: "We’re sorry to hear that CEO Saad Hammad will be moving on from Flybe.
"We’ve enjoyed a good relationship with him and he has had a positive impact on the airline during his three years. We wish him well for the future.
"BALPA hopes that a new chief executive is found soon so we can begin to build new relationships and ensure our members in Flybe have some stability in their senior management team."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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