PRESTWICK Airport has appointed its first permanent chief executive in nine months.
Ron Smith, previously the general operations manager in Aberdeen for offshore transportation specialists, CHC Helicopters, was unveiled as the new boss at the Ayrshire base during a staff briefing today [tue].
Mr Smith will take up the post from Monday May 30.
He replaces interim chief executive, Richard Jenner, who was appointed in September last year following the departure of Iain Cochrane.
Mr Cochrane, who had been with the airport for 20 years, including five as chief executive, was ousted in August 2015 by the new board as part of a "fundamental repositioning" of the business aimed at returning it to profitability following its purchase by the Scottish Government for £1 in 2013.
Mr Smith's appointment means the executive team is now complete.
He said: “I can’t wait to take up this new role. Glasgow Prestwick Airport is a major infrastructure and economic asset for Ayrshire, Scotland and the United Kingdom and I am keen to protect that for generations to come by delivering a profitable and sustainable business.
“It is exciting to be part of a newly formed team with a new vision. It is evident that momentum is picking up and I am keen to come in and build upon that to drive things forward at pace. I look forward to getting my feet under the desk and working with the team to help the airport fulfil its full potential.”
Mr Smith's appointment follows the arrival earlier this month of former Coatbridge College executive, Derek Banks, as the airport's new finance and commercial director, and the appointment of Mike Stewart as business development director in January.
Prestwick Airport chairman, Andrew Miller, said: "Making this appointment is a huge step forward for the airport.
"It is also one of the most important tasks that I have undertaken as Chairman.
"Getting the right person, with the right knowledge, skills and experience to lead the day-to-day delivery of a new vision for the airport is absolutely fundamental to our future success.
“In his previous roles, Ron has successfully led organisations through periods of change in order to meet objectives like securing finance, increasing productivity and profitability and developing and marketing new product and service offerings.
"All of this experience will be invaluable to Glasgow Prestwick."
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