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. Perhaps most notably, he was chief executive of British Airways from 1996 to 2000.
[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.[1]
Ayling was Group Managing Director and then Chief Executive of British Airways from 1996 to 2000.[2] 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,[3] in February 2003, before becoming Chairman in June 2003.[citation needed] He retired from this role in April 2009 after serving two three-year terms.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ Article about Robert Ayling's role in BA management, 1993
- ^ Article by Robert Ayling in 1997 while chief executive of British Airways
- ^ "Ayling takes over at HolidayBreak", Telegraph, Published: 8:54AM GMT 02 Dec 2002.
- ^ [1]
