Griffin Global Group appoints new Executive Chairman

Griffin Global Group, the world’s leading marine and offshore travel specialist, announced today the appointment of Simon Morse as Executive Chairman to take effect from 1st February 2012. The role has been created following George Boyes’ decision to step down from his full time role as Managing Director, after 32 years with the Company and the completion of Dick Porter’s term as Non-Executive Chairman. George remains a significant shareholder and a Director of the Group.

Simon was previously a Director of Inchcape plc and was appointed to be the first Group CEO of Inchcape Shipping Services. This was formed to integrate a loose federation of 116 locally managed subsidiaries, each operating under a different brand name, into the world’s leading shipping agency employing 3,500 people, in 260 offices, located in 63 countries. He led the management buyout before transforming the Group from a traditional liner agency to become world No.1 in marine management, responsible for managing the commercial operations for 60,000 vessel port calls per year on behalf of 2,200 ship owners. Following the subsequent sale of the business to Dubai World, Simon left to establish Optimi in order to develop a menu of international payment and crew concierge services. Under the terms of the agreement, Optimi’s marine related contracts and partnerships transfer to Griffin.

George Boyes said “On behalf of the Board I should like to thank Dick for guiding us through the Group’s transition following the sale of a minority interest in Griffin to Inflexion Private Equity in 2009. He has worked tirelessly throughout this period of change for the business and made a significant contribution to Griffin’s success. Simon and I have been working closely together during the past 6 months refining the Group’s strategy in order to establish new growth platforms that build on our core strengths and extend the scope and the value of the service we provide our clients. I look forward to working alongside Simon on the Board of Griffin and am confident that Simon’s proven track record both in the marine services sector and with private equity backed businesses will result in an exciting new era of growth for Griffin under his leadership”.

Simon Turner, Managing Partner of Inflexion Private Equity commented: “We are delighted that Simon Morse has joined the Board of Griffin; he brings a wealth of sector experience to drive Griffin through its next phase of growth. We would also like to add our thanks to Dick for his valuable contribution to the success of Griffin to date.”