Hostelworld Group plc announced that Richard Segal has informed the Board of his intention to resign as Non-Executive Chairman, a position he has held for 6 years. Richard has led the Group through a period of strong change and growth, as both a private and listed business, and the Board expresses its deep gratitude for his guidance and contribution during that time. After a period of transition Richard will be succeeded by Michael Cawley, currently Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, during 2017 at a date yet to be confirmed. Hostelworld also announced the appointment, effective October 1, 2017, of Carl Shepherd as a Non-Executive Director. Carl brings an immense wealth of listed company experience in the international on-line travel industry. This includes 10 years with HomeAway, which he co-founded in 2005 and where he served on the Board of Directors and was the company's founding Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategic and Development Officer, a capacity he fulfilled until its sale to Expedia Inc. in December 2015, and his current Board position at @Leisure Group, one of the largest on-line markets for holiday rental in Europe. His previous roles include COO and Chief Development Officer of Hoover's Online, which he helped develop to become a leading source for business information online, culminating in an IPO in 1999 and its subsequent sale to Dun & Bradstreet in March 2003. The search is underway for a further Non-Executive Director, who will Chair the Audit Committee subsequent to Michael Cawley becoming Chairman of the Company, to complement the skills and experience of the Board.