Wotif.com appoints Chairman Designate

Wotif.com , Australia’s leading accommodation website, announced today that UNiTAB Limited’s Managing Director and Chief Executive, Dick McIlwain, has agreed to join Wotif.com’s Board as its non-executive Chairman.

His appointment will take effect closer to the company’s float on the ASX, scheduled for the first half of this year.

McIlwain, who recently announced he would be stepping down from his role at UNiTAB after 17 years, brings considerable expertise and experience to the Wotif.com Board.

He guided UNiTAB through its float in 1999 and his operational focus coupled with well executed acquisitions drove UNiTAB market capitalisation from approximately $270 million on float to approximately $1.7 billion today.

In addition to his role at Wotif.com, McIlwain will remain as the non-executive Chairman at Super Cheap Auto Group Limited, a position which he has now held for over 12 months.

Commenting on his appointment, McIlwain said: “Wotif.com’s business strategy fits comfortably with the experience I have enjoyed as a manager of businesses with a central focus on customer service.

“It is easy to be impressed by Wotif.com’s successful history of innovation, and the energetic and creative team who operate within a sensible and affordable business model,” he added.

According to Graeme Wood, Wotif.com CEO, McIlwain’s appointment further strengthens Wotif.com’s team: “I am delighted that we have attracted Dick to become part of the Wotif.com Board. He brings a unique mix of Board and executive experience coupled with a great reputation within the investment community, I am confident that he will be a valuable addition to our business.”

As a user of the site himself, McIlwain is aware of the value and convenience offered by Wotif.com and, during his time at UNiTAB, he encouraged staff to use it as a tool to manage corporate travel.

“Wotif.com’s efficient accommodation booking and payment service allows individual travellers to easily take control of both their private and business accommodation requirements.

“It includes an extensive range of accommodation and consistently offers competitive room rates,” he added.

Prior to his role at UNiTAB, McIlwain worked in the now domestic arm of Qantas, Australian Airlines, making him no stranger to the travel and tourism industry. He has a Bachelor of Arts and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.