EasyJet, has appointed Johan Lundgren as chief executive to replace Carolyn McCall who is leaving to head up ITV.

Former Tui Group chief Lundgren will be join the board of easyJet as a director and chief executive December 1 and McCall will step down as chief executive from the Board on 30 November.  She will remain with the airline until  December 31 to assist with the transition, the airline said.

Lundgren has over 30 years’ experience in the travel sector, the last 12 of which were with TUI Group where he was group deputy chief executive officer and chief executive officer, Mainstream Markets.

John Barton, chairman of easyJet, said: “I and the easyJet Board are delighted to announce Johan as our new chief executive.  Johan has proven experience in European travel as chief executive and in broader group roles.  He is strategic yet operationally focussed and has proved himself to be a customer-centric, charismatic and successful leader.

“easyJet is a structural winner in a dynamic aviation environment.  Johan inherits a leadership team of strength and depth, engaged people and loyal passengers flying on Europe’s best network.

“I am sure that under his leadership easyJet will go from strength to strength.

“Finally, I wanted to reiterate everyone at easyJet’s thanks to Carolyn for all she has done for the airline and to wish her well in her exciting new role.”

Lundgren added: “I have flown with and been a fan of easyJet and its wonderful people for many years.  This is an exciting time to be joining Europe’s leading airline. Carolyn has built a fantastic team and with them I look forward to contributing to easyJet’s continued success.”