New chair revealed for Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has appointed David Noyes as chair, effective from 1 April 2023, to support its focus on development of the airport and improving passenger experience.

It comes as former Asda-chief Andy Clarke steps down this spring at the end of his planned four-year tenure.

Clarke has used his expertise to support the transformation of LBA’s commercial and customer strategy, as well as navigation through the pandemic and subsequent recovery.

He said: “I am happy to have been associated with the airport for the last four years, Yorkshire is an important part of my heritage and I have been proud to work towards creating the airport that Yorkshire deserves.

“We now have a strong management team in place to continue that journey as the focus turns more towards infrastructure development and sustainable growth.”

Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We thank Andy Clarke for his services to Leeds Bradford Airport and for the legacy he leaves, delivering a strong commercial outlook and returning the airport to pre-pandemic levels.

“LBA is embarking on an exciting period of development as we look to enhance our passenger experience and move towards a net zero future.

“David will be crucial in supporting us to achieve those ambitions. We look forward to welcoming him and collaborating to make LBA the outstanding, modern, regional airport our passengers deserve.”

Noyes joins with many years of industry expertise from across the leisure and transport sectors and will oversee the execution of LBA’s infrastructure and growth strategy.

In addition to his roles as CEO of Gray Dawes Travel, Cunard and P&O cruises between 2008 and 2018, he previously held multiple senior positions at British Airways focused on airport operations.

This led to him becoming managing director for British Airways at Heathrow Airport and director of customer services, with responsibility for BA’s airport operations worldwide.

Since stepping down from his CEO role in 2018, he has been appointed to several boards as a non-executive director or chair, including as non-executive director at London Luton Airport.

Noyes said: “I am very happy to be joining the Board of Leeds Bradford Airport and returning to Yorkshire where I was brought up, schooled and learned my cricket.

“The airport has an exciting development agenda and I look forward to leading the creation of an outstanding airport, connecting Yorkshire to the world.”

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