Robert Ayling

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Robert John (Bob) Ayling (born 3 August 1946) is a British businessman who has been involved in many high profile companies and organisations.

[edit] Early life

He was educated at King's College School, the boys' independent school in Wimbledon, south-west London.

[edit] Career

Ayling, a lawyer, began his career as a solicitor in private practice before joining the Department of Trade and Industry in 1973. In 1985 he joined British Airways, initially as Legal Director, but went on to hold a series of senior management positions including that of Director of Marketing and Operations.

Ayling was Group Managing Director and then Chief Executive of British Airways from 1996 to 2000. A key policy of Ayling's time as CEO was the pursuit of a merger and establishment of a strategic alliance with American Airlines and BA’s investment in Iberia. In 1998 BA announced the establishment of its low-cost carrier, Go.. Ayling was also the promoter of BA’s London Eye project for the Millennium. In 2000 he was replaced at BA by Rod Eddington.

Ayling was initially appointed a non-executive Director of Holidaybreak Plc, the specialist holiday and activity group, in February 2003, before becoming Chairman in June 2003.

He joined the main board of Dyson in 2001 before being appointed vice-Chairman in 2005. He was also a non-executive Director of Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance Group from 1993-2004 and from 1997-2000 a non-executive director of Qantas the Australian airline.

In May 2006, Ayling was appointed as Chairman of the Sanctuary Group of record and music companies. The company was sold to Universal Records in July 2007.

He is currently Chairman of Holidaybreak Plc; Chairman of The International Dispute Resolution Centre, the private provider of arbitration services and facilities; Vice-Chairman of Dyson; and a Non-executive Director of Dwr Cymru (Welsh Water).

[edit] Personal life

He is married with two sons and a daughter, lives in London and Wales, and sails a boat. In 1972 he married Julia Crallan.