‘One scoundrel down’ as Easyjet exec quits

EASYJET’S finance chief has quit, just days after surviving an attempted boardroom coup by the airline’s founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

Andrew Findlay was one of four bosses who received the backing of shareholders at the annual general meeting last week.

Stelios had labelled Findlay, along with chief executive Johan Lundgren, chairman John Barton and independent board director Andreas Bierwirth, as ‘scoundrels’ for approving a £4.5bn order for planes with Airbus that he predicted would bankrupt the company.

But despite a resounding defeat for the founder, Findlay has chosen to leave. ‘One scoundrel down,’ Stelios declared. ‘No wonder the independent shareholders are throwing a party – with shares up almost 20pc. We are now getting closer to cancelling the Airbus contract that will save Easyjet.’

Findlay, who joined in October 2015, intends to stay in the role until May next year, serving out the year’s notice in his contract.

He said: ‘I remain fully committed to the business to support Johan and to ensure Easyjet successfully weathers this unprecedented time for the airline industry.’

Easyjet shares soared 19.3pc yesterday amid hopes that millions of people across Europe will still go on their summer holiday, as countries relax their quarantines.

It is set to resume flights from 22 airports in Europe from June 15, as well as regional flights in the UK.