Airport managing director leaves

Richard Jeffrey is to leave in April/May

Edinburgh Airport's managing director has announced he is to stand down after six years in the post.

Richard Jeffrey, 40, said he did not have another job to move to but wanted to remain in Scotland with his young family, whom he lives with in Fife.

He will be replaced by David Johnston, a 41-year-old lighting industry executive from County Durham.

Mr Jeffrey was offered other jobs by his current employers BAA. He turned them down because they were in England.

Being too long in a job can make you stale, I don't feel stale but as an individual you can stop growing Richard Jeffrey Edinburgh Airport

Mr Jeffrey said: "I made the decision to leave last autumn but agreed to stay on until my successor was found.

"I have taken this role as far as I can and I now feel it is time for a change.

"Being too long in a job can make you stale, I don't feel stale but as an individual you can stop growing.

"There is an element of risk but also of excitement as well. I'm an optimistic person."

Trained as a civil engineer at Imperial College London, Mr Jeffrey added that he was keeping his options open with regards to new job offers.

He has been with BAA for 20 years and is currently president of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

He is to leave in April/May.

'Fast-growing business'

Stephen Baxter, divisional managing director of BAA Scotland, said: "I will be sorry to lose Richard from my management team in Scotland, but he goes with our best wishes and understanding.

"Richard's legacy is a profitable and efficient airport, which has been transformed in recent years.

"At the same time, I am pleased to welcome David Johnston to Edinburgh Airport and look forward to working closely with him and the team at Edinburgh to deliver the exciting changes we have planned for Scotland's capital airport."

David Johnston is currently operations director for Thorn Lighting in Durham and has several years experience in the manufacturing sector.

He said: "Edinburgh Airport is a strong and fast-growing business and I am excited at the challenges which lie ahead.

"I am very much aware of the important role the airport plays in Scotland and look forward to working with our stakeholders to write the new chapters in Edinburgh Airport's undoubted success story."