Ryanair’s deputy chief steps down

Ryanair’s deputy chief, Howard Millar, is to leave the company at the end of December — the second senior management figure to step down this year.

Mr Millar, who has been with the airline for 23 years and has served as chief financial officer for the past 11, is leaving to pursue other career opportunities. He will be joining the Ryanair board in a non-executive capacity next year.

Ryanair has already named Neil Sorahan, currently the airline’s finance director, as Mr Millar’s replacement. He is due to take over the CFO role at the beginning of 2015.

Speaking yesterday, Mr Millar said he has no plans in place for when he stands down, but will be looking for a senior executive role with his next employer. He added that he is open-minded on his options.

His announcement comes three months after the departure of former deputy CEO, Michael Cawley.

Rather than a cause for concern for investors, Mr Millar said the two moves have illustrated that Ryanair has strong succession plans in place for its senior management, pointing to the strength of senior appointments made earlier this year and to the fact that Mr Sorahan has effectively been his number two for the past six years and has been part of his finance team for the last 12 years.