Monarch has confirmed that its Chief Financial Officer, Barry Nightingale, has decided to leave the business and will make the transition at the end of January. Chris Bennett, currently Deputy CFO, will be appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer.

Monarch Group Chief Executive Andrew Swaffield said: “Over the last year, Barry has led his team to ensure that the business turned a corner financially, making considerable contributions to our financial strategy and ensuring that long-term aims are achieved. I would like to take this opportunity to wish him the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution to the business.”

“I am delighted that Chris Bennett will be our new Chief Financial Officer. Chris is working closely with Barry to ensure a smooth transition and I look forward to the benefit of his strong financial guidance and leadership over the coming months.”

Barry Nightingale said: “It is with a fond farewell that I leave the Monarch Group. Having helped to move the business through a very challenging 12 months and implement a new financial strategic plan, it is now time for me move on and pursue new challenges. I’m very confident that Monarch can look forward to a successful future, delivering a quality, punctual, cost-efficient service to its growing customer base.”

Chris Bennett said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer and look forward to delivering the financial strategy that Barry Nightingale and I have worked on meticulously over the past 12 months. Monarch has turned a corner and I am looking forward to being part of the exciting story that is unfolding across the business with a refreshed cost-efficient focus on our customers.”