Dermot Smurfit

Dr Dermot Smurfit has been appointed chairman of John Menzies, the distribution and aviation business.

Dermot Jenkinson, interim chairman of John Menzies, said: “I am delighted to be able to appoint a chairman of the calibre of Dr Smurfit. As previously announced I had committed, at short notice, to act as chairman until such time as a suitable candidate had been found.

“The obvious qualities that Dr Smurfit possesses and his availability to assume the chairman responsibilities immediately meant I was happy to recommend his appointment. I am confident that Dr Smurfit will be a great asset to the group.”

Smurfit is currently chairman of PowerFlute and ML Capital. He is also a non-executive at Timber Capital and The Forest Company.

Smurfit will take over formally on 25 July.

In May a trading update for the first four months of the year showed John Menzies’ revenues were up 7%. Cargo volumes were, however, down 2%. February saw the company complete its acquisition of Renaissance Aviation in Bermuda.