EasyJet founder resigns from board

EasyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou has resigned from the board of the UK budget carrier in a bid to resist the airline's fleet-expansion plans.

Haji-Ioannou, who has resigned with immediate effect, represents shareholder EasyGroup's interest of 26.2% in the airline.

He is stepping down to "gain greater freedom" to exercise EasyGroup's rights as a shareholder in the carrier to "seek a change in the company's strategy", says EasyJet.

Haji-Ioannou has previously clashed with the airline's management over its strategic direction.

Another EasyGroup representative on the board, Bob Rothenberg, has similarly resigned.

(David Kaminski-Morrow - Flightglobal News)