Lonely Planet Announces New CEO

FEBRUARY 27, 2003 | MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Lonely Planet Chairman, Ross Garnaut, today announced the appointment of Ms Judy Slatyer as the new CEO of international travel media company Lonely Planet.

Ms Slatyer will take the helm at Lonely Planet's global headquarters in Melbourne on 31st March, 2003.

Slatyer's appointment follows an extensive recruitment process conducted by Egon Zehnder which began in late 2002. The position attracted a number of high calibre candidates. Ms Slatyer was appointed for her outstanding track record in a number of management roles. Most recently Slatyer has been working with ArrayComm Inc advising on all aspects of the launch of their broadband wireless service in the Australian market. Prior to that she was with Telstra for ten years. During that time Slatyer held a number of management positions finishing as Chief of Consumer Sales, Telstra Retail.

Ms Slatyer succeeds current CEO, Steve Hibbard, who has held the position since 1994. Hibbard was instrumental in driving Lonely Planet's expansion into the online arena and extending the company's product offering both in books and in digital and on-line products. During his tenure sales increased more than five-fold. According to Hibbard, 'The travel industry is in a rocky patch but in the long term it is a fantastic industry. Lonely Planet is well positioned to retain or grow its leadership position across virtually all media and all markets.'

Chairman Ross Garnaut also announced today the appointment of Lonely Planet Global Publisher, Simon Westcott, as Executive Director. Westcott has been with Lonely Planet since February 2001. Prior to that he was with The Age newspaper.

Ross Garnaut was appointed Chairman of the Lonely Planet Board in October 2002. Other Board members include the company's co-founders, Tony and Maureen Wheeler who are also active in the business full time, John Singleton and Mark Carnegie.

Established in 1973, Lonely Planet is the world's leading independent travel media company. With operations in Melbourne, London, Paris and San Francisco, Lonely Planet employs over 500 staff worldwide. Lonely Planet travel information is available across all media channels and boasts a product range that includes an extensive range of travel guides and a multi award-winning website.

Media enquiries:
Anna Bolger, Marketing & Communications Manager, Lonely Planet Publications.
Tel: 61 3 8379 8000 or Email: anna.bolger@lonelyplanet.com.au