Global aviation services group Air Partner has appointed Ed Warner OBE as non-executive chair. He will also chair the nomination committee and join the remuneration committee.

Warner has extensive PLC experience and has chaired the boards at a range of prominent organisations. He is currently chair of accounting network Grant Thornton UK, Blackrock Commodities Income Investment Trust and derivatives exchange LMAX, as well as a director of a suite of Dublin-listed investment funds managed by DCI. In addition, he is chair of the Palace for Life Foundation, the official charity of Crystal Palace Football Club, and World Para Athletics. He was also chair of Standard Life Private Equity Trust from 2013 to the end of 2018, of stockbroker and investment bank Panmure Gordon & Co between 2010 and 2016, as well as a non-executive director of payments technology company SafeCharge International Group from 2014 to 2016.

Warner knows the broking sector well and was a non-executive director of shipping company Clarksons for over 10 years until February 2019. He served as acting chair for the last 11 months of this appointment. He also has a wealth of financial services broking experience from years spent in senior positions at several investment banks and financial institutions, including Old Mutual Financial Services, Bankers Trust, Dresdner Kleinwort Benson and, most recently, IFX Group, where he was CEO until 2006.

Air Partner says it has a long-term strategy to build a more complete portfolio of aviation services, to which end it has made a number of acquisitions in the last few years. Ed has significant mergers and acquisitions experience, including the integration of numerous small accretive acquisitions, which will help support this objective.

Richard Jackson, who was appointed chairman on an interim basis on 7 September, 2018, will revert to his previous role as non-executive director and senior independent director.

CEO Mark Briffa says: “I am delighted Ed has agreed to become chair of Air Partner's board and I am very much looking forward to working with him. Ed's extensive PLC and leadership experience, along with his strong understanding of customer-centric businesses, is well suited to Air Partner and will help us to further capitalise on opportunities to diversify and grow our business. I would also like to thank Richard Jackson for the excellent support he has provided as interim chairman. His commitment has been much appreciated and has enabled the company to successfully navigate a challenging period.”

Warner adds: “Excellent progress has been made against the group's organic and acquisitive growth strategy, and Air Partner's customer offering is well respected across its international markets. I am confident we can continue to grow and develop our enviable customer base from here and I am very much looking forward to working with the team to help the company reach its full potential.”