Jim French (businessman)

James French CBE DL (born 4 July 1953) is the former chairman and CEO of the airline Flybe. He owned approximately 7% of the overall business.^[1]

History

French began his aviation career in 1970 with Caledonian Airways, before joining AirUK in 1980 French first joined Flybe in 1990, when it was known as Jersey European Airways;^[2] becoming commercial director shortly after. He subsequently became deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer. In 2001, French became chief executive of Flybe and became chairman in 2005.^[2]

French retired as CEO of Flybe in August 2013 and became non-executive chairman.^[3] Saad Hammad, formerly of EasyJet airline, became CEO^[3] and Simon Laffin became Chairman.^[4]

Awards

French was appointed a CBE in 2009.^[2]

He is a Deputy Lieutenant of Devon.^[5]