Robert Ayling
Robert John (Bob) Ayling (born 3 August 1946) is a British businessman who has worked with a variety of high-profile companies and organisations. From 1996 to 2000, he was the CEO of British Airways.
Ayling was educated at King's College School, Wimbledon.[1]
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 (BA), initially as Legal Director, but went on to hold a series of senior management positions including that of Director of Marketing and Operations.[2]
Ayling was Group Managing Director and then Chief Executive of British Airways from 1996 to 2000.[3] 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,[4] in February 2003, before becoming Chairman in June 2003.[5] He retired from this role in April 2009 after serving two three-year terms.[6]
References
- ^ Biography Robert John Ayling, www.Debretts.com
- ^ 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 2 Dec 2002.
- ^ "DIRECTORATE CHANGE". Investegate. 3 June 2003. Retrieved 22 June 2014.
- ^ "Holidaybreak: Annual Report and Financial Statements". Holidaybreak. 2010. Retrieved 22 June 2014.