Gurassa looks like high-flier for easyJet

Easyjet's deputy chairman Charles Gurassa looked to be in pole position to replace Sir Mike Rake as chairman yesterday after the budget carrier confirmed the role would be empty by summer.

The airline's founder, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who with his siblings owns a 37 per cent stake, has had a tempestuous three-year relationship with Sir Mike. He voted against his re-election at last year's annual meeting, but has been a long-term backer of Mr Gurassa, who previously ran Tui Travel and Thomson Holidays.