BA seeks new operations director; potential Walsh successor
12.05.08
British Airways has hired headhunter Whitehead Mann to search for a chief operating officer to replace the two directors who lost their jobs after the Terminal 5 fiasco at Heathrow. According to press reports, the appointee should be capable of joining the main board within 2 years, and is seen as a potential successor to current Chief Executive Willie Walsh within 5 years.
The new role was created after Mr Walsh sacked Gareth Kirkwood, director of operations, and David Noyes, director of customer services, in April after T5's bungled opening. Carol Leonard, head of Whitehead Mann's board practice, is leading the hunt for a heavy-weight industrialist who can combine operations with customer services.
BA sources said the post was created to provide strong backing for Mr Walsh but denied the chief operating officer would be a potential successor. Mr Walsh is expected to stay for another 5 years, which fits with the timeframe the appointee should be looking to step up to the role.
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