Travel firm boss Peter Long set to become next Royal Mail chairman
Royal Mail has named its next chairman as Peter Long, who is currently the joint CEO of travel and tourism giant TUI AG. Long has been appointed to the Royal Mail board as a non-executive director, and is expected to take over from current chairman Donald Brydon at the start of September.
The chairmanship is subject to a vote by shareholders at the company’s AGM on 23 July.
Royal Mail said Long was appointed by its Board following a “comprehensive” search process. As chairman he will receive a £300,000 salary on a pro-rata basis.
Long has more than 20 years of experience in FTSE 100 companies, Royal Mail said. He has been chief executive of TUI Travel plc and latterly TUI AG since 2007, and is expected to step down from his CEO role in February 2016, becoming chairman of its supervisory board.
Hannover-based TUI is considered the largest leisure, travel and tourism company in the world, owning 1,800 travel agencies, six airlines and 300 hotels or resorts.
Brydon said he will work closely with his successor in the coming months prior to handing over the role.
He said of Long: “His many years of experience in customer-focused companies will complement our diverse Board as Royal Mail continues its transformation.”
Prior to leading TUI Travel plc, Long served as Group managing director and then chief executive of First Choice Holidays plc from 1996 to 2007 before it merged with TUI.
Before First Choice, he was chief executive of Sunworld and the travel division of International Leisure Group.
His past non-executive directorships include roles at RAC plc, Rentokil Initial plc and Debenhams plc.
Moya Greene, the Royal Mail chief executive, said: “Peter Long brings with him a proven track record in transforming the fortunes of large and complex companies and I look forward to working with him. Donald Brydon has led our Board through a period of tremendous change at Royal Mail and we are all most grateful for his wisdom and counsel during this key time for our Company.”
