Nomination Committee

The Committee comprises five Non-Executive Directors and is chaired by Sir Michael Hodgkinson (the Senior Independent Director).

In relation to the appointment of Horst Baier, who was appointed on 13 October 2009, a description of the role and required capabilities was prepared prior to the appointment. A meeting of the Committee – chaired by Sir Michael Hodgkinson (Non-Executive Deputy Chairman) – considered Horst’s suitability for the role, his other significant commitments and the existing skills and knowledge of the Board as a whole. As a significant percentage of the Group’s turnover is generated in Germany, it was believed that additional expertise and experience in the differences between German and UK accounting practices was required. It was felt that Horst’s experience in the leisure travel industry as an executive director of TUI AG, and his previous experience over a long career involving work of a financial nature, would assist the Board and enable him to make an excellent contribution to its deliberations. For this reason, it was not deemed appropriate for an external search consultancy or open advertising to be used for this appointment as the Board was of the view that no other candidate would be able to match the specific knowledge and expertise Horst brings to this role.

At the meeting held in October, the current membership and effectiveness of the Committee was also discussed and it was agreed that the composition of the Committee remained appropriate and effective.