Regulatory Announcements


04 February 2004

John Menzies plc - Appointment of new Managing Director of Aviation Division

John Menzies plc
The International Support Services Group
 
Appointment of new Managing Director of Aviation Division
 
John Menzies plc announces the appointment of Craig Smyth as the next Managing Director of Menzies Aviation.  Craig is currently Menzies Aviation's Director responsible for the Americas, and will succeed Peter Smith who retires at the Annual General Meeting in April, 2004. 
 
John Menzies' Chairman, William Thomson, said:
 
"We are very pleased to have been able to appoint Craig, who is well respected in the Aviation Services sector.  He has the necessary skills and experience to manage the business efficiently, to consolidate the rapid expansion of the past five years and to secure the rewards for our shareholders that we are determined to achieve."
 
Craig Smyth said:
 
"I am greatly looking forward to this job.  Menzies Aviation has become a real force in worldwide ground handling and has pioneered important new service offerings in market conditions which have often been highly challenging.  I am excited to be given the opportunity to build on recent improvements in operational performance and to improve the business' return on capital."
 
Notes for editors:
 
1.
John Menzies plc comprises two businesses:  Menzies Distribution, the UK's leading newspaper and magazine distribution operation; and Menzies Aviation, a major player in the aviation support services sector.
 
2.
This appointment has been made after full review of an extensive list of internal and external candidates.
 
3.
This appointment does not initially involve appointment to the main board of John Menzies plc.
 
4.
 Craig Smyth (36) joined the Group in 1993 from Ernst & Young, undertaking a variety of financial planning roles in the centre before being appointed Finance Director of AMI, the first of the Group's current Aviation activities, in 1994.  He was appointed as Finance Director of Menzies Aviation in 1997, and has been involved in all aspects of this Division's expansion and development.  Following his appointment as Director for the Americas in August 2003, he carried out a successful restructuring of operations in that region.  He has demonstrated a high degree of commercial awareness and has earned, in addition, wide respect in the Company and the industry.
 
5.
Peter Smith retires in April, having led Menzies Aviation for 8 years.  He has overseen a period of considerable expansion, transforming the Group's investment in this business into a significant force in aviation support services. 
 
Further information:
 
Jonathan Rooper
CardewChancery
07740-099868
John Geddes
John Menzies plc
0131-459-8186

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