May 15, 2007 -- Dr Thomas Middelhoff is returning to Polestar as Chairman with effect from the end of May. Chief Executive Barry Hibbert says: "We are delighted to welcome Thomas back to Polestar and we look forward to benefiting once again from his extensive experience and understanding of the industry and the markets we serve. Obviously, his previous knowledge of Polestar means he can contribute to current strategies immediately." Dr Middelhoff is Chairman of the management board of KarstadtQuelle, Europe’s leading retail and tourism group. Its core activities include Karstadt department stores across Germany, domestic and international mail order companies, and the tourism business Thomas Cook. He also holds positions with The New York Times, Apcoa Parking, and Senator Entertainment. Polestar has also announced that Finance Director Peter Johnston will be leaving the group in the summer to pursue other challenges. Barry Hibbert says: “Peter has been with us for six years and during that time has successfully steered the group to a position of financial stability, in particular overseeing the refinancing process in 2006. We are extremely grateful to him and he has our best wishes for the future."