Press Room
Directorate Change
Et-china.com International Holdings Limited, the leading travel services group in the fast growing region of South China, announces that Ranjit Murugason, Non-Executive Chairman, is to stand down with immediate effect. Mr Murugason has recently taken on the full time position at an international group and therefore believes he is no longer able to devote the required time to the Chairmanship role at Et-china.
Mr Ian Smith currently Non-Executive Director will step up immediately to take over from Mr. Murugason as Chairman. Mr Smith has spent more than 35 years in the travel industry in the UK and served for 11 years on the main Board of Thomson Travel Group plc (now Tui plc). He has also previously held the role of Chairman at Thomson Breakaway, Crystal International Holidays, Austravel and Sun Villas Florida Direct. In addition he led Lunn Poly for 10 years during the 1990's and under his stewardship Lunn Poly with its 800 shops, grew to become the largest and most profitable travel distributor in the UK.
Matthew Ng, Chief Executive Officer, said: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Ranjit for his significant contribution, advice and encouragement to Et-china both as Chairman and as a Director through the IPO process and now as a listed company. We wish him every success in the future.
"I would also like to welcome Ian Smith to his new position as Chairman of the Company. Ian brings a vast wealth of highly relevant experience and I am confident he will bring exceptional value to the Company as we continue to grow".
Ian Smith commented: "I am looking forward to taking up the position as Chairman of Et-china through what promises to be an exciting few years as we look to consolidate and build upon our position as the leading travel services business in South China."
Contact details for enquiries:
| Et-china.com International Holdings Limited | +44 (0)207 067 0700 |
| Matthew Ng | |
| Seymour Pierce, Nomad and Broker | +44 (0)207 107 8000 |
| Mark Percy | |
| Weber Shandwick Financial | +44 (0)207 067 0700 |
| Terry Garrett Stephanie Badjonat John Moriarty |