BAA has today announced the appointment of Sir Nigel Rudd as the companys new non-executive Chairman and Lord Stevens as a non-executive director of the board.
Sir Nigel Rudd (61), is one of the UK's best known and respected businessmen. He is currently the Deputy Chairman of Barclays plc. He was formerly Chairman of Boots, Britains most trusted retail brand, which merged with Alliance to create the biggest pharmaceutical group in Europe.
It was recently sold to the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR). Sir Nigel is currently non-executive Director of BAE Systems plc, Sappi Ltd (the worlds largest fine paper company based in South Africa) and Pendragon plc (the UK´s largest independent motor distribution company).
Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington (64) was Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police between 2000 and 2005 and served at Heathrow Airport during his long police career. Lord Stevens is now international security adviser to the Prime Minister. He also acts as Chairman of Quest Ltd; Chairman of the Skills for Security Task Force; Chairman of the Task Force for a Border Police Force; and heads the UK Airline Owners and Pilots Association (Lord Stevens is a qualified multi-engine pilot).
Sir Nigel Rudd succeeds Rafael del Pino, President of Grupo Ferrovial, who became interim Chairman on December 20, 2006, when Marcus Agius left BAA to join Barclays. Rafael del Pino and Joaquín Ayuso, Grupo Ferrovials CEO, will leave the BAA board.
Commenting on the appointment, Sir Nigel Rudd said: "This is the most challenging role I have ever undertaken. BAA faces a number of well-documented challenges, but I am heartened that it has supportive and long-term shareholders and a first class Chief Executive in Stephen Nelson.
I am delighted that John Stevens is joining the Board which will be further strengthened over the coming months.
We need to transform Britains biggest airports throughout the coming years. I believe it can be done and I am determined to get the results our passengers deserve."
Chief Executive of BAA, Stephen Nelson, welcomed the new appointments: BAAs number one priority at the moment is to improve the experience of our passengers travelling through our airports. We have made significant headway in recent months and I am confident that the experience and talent that Sir Nigel and Lord Stevens will bring to the Board, will help accelerate this transformation.
Further information at BAA.com