Cheapflights has appointed John Clare CBE as non-executive chairman with immediate effect. Oliver Burge has stepped down after six years in the role but will remain on the Board as a non-executive director.Mr Clare (57), former Chief Executive of DSG International plc (formerly Dixons Stores Group plc) (“DSG”), is one of the UK’s best regarded and most experienced business executives.

As the principal driver of DSG’s successful shift towards international e-tailing, he is bringing his wealth of experience to Cheapflights as it enters its next period of domestic and overseas growth.

Commenting, Cheapflights’ CEO, David Soskin said: “We are delighted to have secured John Clare’s services as non-executive Chairman. Cheapflights is at a very exciting stage in its history. We have built a leading UK online travel deal price search and comparison company; we have duplicated that success in the USA; and are expanding the Cheapflights brand globally. John Clare’s direct experience of the internet and of building businesses and brands internationally will be of enormous value to the Board as we enter this exciting new phase of growth.” He added: “We are very grateful to Oliver Burge for his past contribution and support as Chairman.”

Chris Cuddy, Cheapflights’ Group Managing Director added: “John Clare brings over 30 years’ experience in building international consumer brands. His extensive operational background will provide our executive team with invaluable insight to accelerate our growth.”

John Clare said: “Cheapflights has built a leading position in its online media space. Not only has the company shown itself to be a successful innovator, it has also proven that a UK dotcom company can succeed and be profitable in the highly competitive US market. Cheapflights’ impressive track-record of consistent profit and growth going back to its foundation in 1996 gives it an excellent springboard for its next phase of international expansion and I am looking forward immensely to working with the Cheapflights team as we continue to drive the business forward.”
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