Soccer man to lead Green Flag

chief executive Neil Twist, who is to leave in April. The company is

advertising for a new sales and marketing director.

The management shake-up comes as Green Flag’s parent company, National

Parking Corporation, prepares to demerge Green Flag prior to its

flotation on the Stock Exchange this year.

The company is understood to be finalising the membership of the Green

Flag and NPC boards, but it is not yet clear whether a new chief

executive will be appointed for Green Flag.

As managing director, Cornish will be keen to consolidate Green Flag’s

position as the third largest national breakdown company after the AA

and RAC.

The company, formerly known as National Breakdown, currently has around

3.5 million members and is keen to expand its home repair and medical

assistance services.

Cornish, who was previously business development director at Eagle Star,

was appointed sales and marketing director at Green Flag two years

ago.

He was responsible for guiding the pounds 4m sponsorship of the England

soccer team, which dramatically boosted the profile of the new brand

during the Euro ’96 tournament. It is expected to do the same during the

World Cup this year.

The company recently signed a new sponsorship deal with Virgin Radio,

which is expected to comprise its main sponsorship activity when its

contract with the England football team comes to an end in July.

Unlike its rivals, the firm has positioned itself as a dedicated

low-cost breakdown service.

It is currently running a pounds 4m TV campaign through TBWA Simons

Palmer using the line ’We leave everyone standing but you’.

See Agenda, page 17.