The parent of Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton airports has appointed Lena Wilson as its new chair.
AGD Airports hailed the appointment of “one of the UK’s most senior business figures” as they announced the role for the chair and non-executive of a number of PLCs and organisations, including bank Natwest.
She will take up her post on May 1, replacing Sir Peter Mason who chaired AGS since it was formed in 2014 by Ferrovial and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA).
Wilson’s 35-year career in economic development and business has seen her serve as chief executive of Scottish Enterprise from 2009 to 2017 and, prior to that, as chief executive of Scottish Development International.
As a senior investment advisor to the World Bank in Washington DC, Lena advised the governments of developing countries around the world on foreign direct investment and private sector development. She has also served as a member of Scotland’s Financial Services Advisory Board and as chair of Scotland’s Energy Jobs Taskforce. A visiting professor at the University of Strathclyde, Lena received a CBE for her services to economic development in Scotland in June 2015.
Derek Provan, chief executive of AGS Airports, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Sir Peter for his leadership and stewardship which has helped establish AGS as one of the UK’s leading airport groups.
“Lena joins us at what is a challenging time for the entire aviation sector, however, her unrivalled experience will prove invaluable as we look ahead to the next chapter for AGS. I am looking forward to working closely with Lena as we seek to rebuild our airports and restore the connectivity on which the regions we serve rely so heavily and which will play a key role in supporting our country’s economic recovery.”
Wilson said: “As the country moves into recovery, regional connectivity will play an even more important economic role facilitating exports, hospitality and tourism and inward investment.
“I look forward to playing my part in working with government to develop the necessary framework for the safe restart of international travel and helping AGS rise to meet the challenges and opportunities ahead, not least how we can grow each of our airports sustainably.”