News

Bata chairman to step down after six years

British Air Transport Association chairman Barry Humphreys is stepping down at the end of April after six years in the role.

The UK airline trade body is in the process of recruiting a successor for a redefined role of around 12 days a year.

Humphreys is to remain active in the aviation industry with academic, charity and consultancy work.

Since his appointment in 2009, he has helped to guide Bata and the three chief executives it has had during that period through the many challenges that have faced the UK airline industry.

Current chief executive Nathan Stower said: “Barry has been an active and engaged chairman for Bata and a strong and tenacious advocate for UK airlines over the last six years.

“I am personally grateful for the guidance and challenge he has offered to me since I joined in August.

“Bata members will miss his input, particularly on regulatory matters, where his experience and expertise has made a real difference.

“He will be a hard act to follow, but I look forward working with a new chairman who will oversee the next stage of Bata’s development.”

Humphreys said: “I will be sorry to leave Bata. Being chairman has been a fascinating and enjoyable, and challenging, experience, but six years is probably enough for anyone.

“As long as aviation remains so political and regulated there will always be a need for a trade body to bring airlines together to fight common causes.

“Aviation is a highly competitive business and marshalling a group of airlines is not the easiest job in the world, but I think we can feel proud of what Bata has achieved with the help of a committed staff, and far from unlimited resources.

“There is, of course, more to do and I wish the organisation and especially my successor all the best.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.