John Menzies plc is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Macdonald as the Group's Chief Executive Designate.   He will take up his appointment in January 2003, succeeding David Mackay as Chief Executive when David retires in May.

 

Patrick Macdonald, 40, has delivered outstanding results in each stage of a blue chip international career.   He has lived and worked in the USA, France and Germany as well as the UK, holding positions of increasing responsibility with Unilever, The Boston Consulting Group and General Electric (GE).   Latterly, he has been responsible for the global Sourcing and Supply Chain Operations across GE Capital, which is the largest business within General Electric with a purchase base of over $15 billion.

 

John Menzies' Chairman, William Thomson, said:

 

"We welcome Patrick.   He brings first-class experience and an outstanding track record, and all the qualities needed to lead the Group forward into its next stage of development. He joins us at an exciting time; our strategic re-structuring is complete and our prospects are excellent. In particular, as we continue the expansion of Menzies Aviation, his experience in developing and building on strategy in a multinational context will be crucial."

 

Patrick Macdonald, John Menzies' Chief Executive Designate, said:

 

 "I am delighted to be joining John Menzies at this time, following the business' substantial restructuring over the last three years under David Mackay's leadership.   I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and am committed to driving the Group forward and creating shareholder value."

 

Notes for editors:

 

1.                 Following a three-year restructuring process Menzies Group now comprises two businesses:  Menzies Distribution, the UK's leading newspaper and magazine distribution operation; and Menzies Aviation, now a major player in the aviation support services sector.

 

2.       Patrick Macdonald gained a 1st Class Honours Degree in Engineering Science at Oxford University.   He worked at The Royal Corps of Naval Constructors and then in 1985 joined Unilever, based in the UK and Germany.   In 1992 he gained an MBA with Distinction at INSEAD in France.   He joined The Boston Consulting Group, consulting at a senior level to clients in a variety of industries.   He was based in Germany and the UK and became a Manager in 1997.   In the same year he joined General Electric (GE), based in Connecticut, USA, with a responsibility for cross-business Supply Chain projects.   A year later he moved to GE Capital where he has held global responsibility for Sourcing, Supply Chain, Premises and Outsourcing activities, including full line management responsibility for an Outsourcing business in Mexico with 2,900 employees.   In 2001, GE Capital had a turnover of $58 billion and 91,000 employees across 46 countries and 24 business units.

 

3.       David Mackay will continue as Chief Executive until he retires in May 2003.

 

 

Further information:

 

Jonathan Rooper, Cardew & Co                     020-7930-0777

David Mackay, John Menzies plc                       0131-459-8090