Digby wings in as new director at Flybe
FORMER Trade Secretary Lord Jones of Birmingham has been signed up as a new non-executive director of low-cost airline Flybe.
Flybe is Europe’s largest regional airline and the largest airline in terms of traffic movement at both Manchester and Birmingham airports.
Lord Jones said: “I am extremely excited to be joining Flybe, one of the UK’s outstanding business success stories which, in just a decade, has become Europe’s largest regional airline.
“As well as a successful airline, Flybe is also an outstanding example of what can be done by business to improve the quality of training for the next generation: Flybe’s Training Academy, apprenticeship scheme and work with Exeter College and Exeter University are equipping young people with valuable skills and attracting the brightest and best from around the country. This is a vital contribution to skilling the UK to meet the challenges of a globalised economy.
“Flybe, for me, embodies the best of British business and I am greatly looking forward to working with my new colleagues.”
Jim French, chairman and chief executive of Flybe, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Digby is joining the Flybe board. He is a true champion of British industry and business and – like Flybe – is especially passionate about training and skills development.
“Flybe is now firmly established as one of the UK’s leading aviation groups and, as we seek to establish our own clear positions across vital and pressing industry policy initiatives, we will benefit hugely from Digby’s insight and counsel.”
Lord Jones, who takes up his new role from today, is also a former Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), a post he held between January 2000 and June 2006. Currently, he is a Business Ambassador at UK Trade & Investment and chairman of the British Airways International Business Advisory Board.
Additionally, he is chairman of Triumph Motorcycles, Grove Industries Limited, Neutrino Concepts Ltd and the Emergency Services Advisory Board of Babcock International Group plc. Lord Jones is also senior advisor to HSBC, Harvey Nash plc and Argentex plus a corporate ambassador to Jaguar Cars and a corporate advisor to JCB.
