Rachel Kentleton, a highly experienced strategy and finance executive, has been appointed as an independent non-executive director of Jet2. Her extensive background in finance and investor relations positions her as a valuable addition to the board.
With a career that includes senior roles at easyJet, St Modwen Properties, and PayPoint, Kentleton is expected to bring significant expertise and insight to her new role at Jet2, effective from March 18.
Professional Background of Rachel Kentleton
Rachel Kentleton has had a long and distinguished career in the aviation and finance sectors. She spent nine years at easyJet, where she served as the group strategy and implementation director. Her contributions to the company were pivotal during a period of significant growth and transformation.
In addition to her role at easyJet, Kentleton has held several senior positions in other major organisations. She was the chief financial officer at St Modwen Properties, a prominent property development company, and served as the group finance director at PayPoint, a leading payment service provider.
Kentleton is also a current non-executive director at Trustpilot Group and Travelodge. Her broad range of experience across different sectors underscores her suitability for her new role at Jet2.
Responsibilities at Jet2
At Jet2, Rachel Kentleton will take on the role of independent non-executive director. She will join both the audit & risk committee and the remuneration committee. These roles are crucial for overseeing the financial integrity and compensation policies of the company.
Following the completion of an external audit of Jet2’s financial results for the year ending March 31, Kentleton will assume the position of chair of the audit & risk committee. In this capacity, she will be responsible for ensuring robust financial oversight and risk management practices.
Succession and New Appointments
Rachel Kentleton replaces Mark Laurence, who is retiring after 14 years on the Jet2 board. Laurence’s tenure saw the company grow its turnover more than tenfold, marking a period of substantial success and expansion.
Non-executive chairman Robin Terrell has expressed gratitude for Laurence’s contributions, stating, ‘Firstly, on behalf of the board, I would like to thank Mark for his service over a period in which the turnover of the business grew more than tenfold and wish him well for the future.’
Strengthening Board Expertise
The addition of Rachel Kentleton to the Jet2 board is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the board’s expertise in finance and strategy. Her extensive experience in these areas is expected to support Jet2’s ongoing focus on people, service, and profitability.
Robin Terrell commented on her appointment, saying, ‘We are delighted to welcome Rachel to the board. Rachel is an experienced director, with an impressive track record both in her executive and non-executive roles. Her breadth of expertise will be invaluable as we continue our focus on people, service, profits and deliver our strategy to be the UK’s leading and best leisure travel business.’
Industry and Market Impact
Rachel Kentleton’s appointment comes at a time when the travel industry is navigating significant challenges and opportunities. Her background in strategy and finance is expected to provide Jet2 with a competitive edge in addressing market fluctuations and operational complexities.
Her role in the audit & risk committee will be particularly critical as Jet2 continues to adapt to evolving market conditions and regulatory requirements. Ensuring financial stability and effective risk management will be key priorities.
Future Prospects for Jet2
With Kentleton’s appointment, Jet2 is well-positioned to capitalise on her expertise and drive forward its strategic objectives. Her track record suggests she will be instrumental in guiding the company through its next phase of growth and development.
The board’s focus on enhancing financial oversight and risk management aligns with its broader goals of securing market leadership and delivering exceptional value to customers and shareholders.
Conclusion
Rachel Kentleton’s extensive experience and strategic acumen make her an invaluable addition to the Jet2 board. Her role is expected to fortify the company’s financial and strategic initiatives, ensuring robust growth and stability.
Rachel Kentleton’s appointment as an independent non-executive director of Jet2 underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening its strategic and financial capabilities. Her diverse background and proven leadership will be essential as Jet2 aims to continue its growth trajectory.
With a focus on robust financial oversight and risk management, Kentleton’s addition to the board is poised to enhance Jet2’s operational resilience and market competitiveness. Her expertise will undoubtedly contribute to the company’s ambition to become the UK’s leading leisure travel business.
