Tim Clarke has been named as Birmingham Airport’s new chairman. A long-term resident of the UK city, Clarke is currently director of Associated British Foods and was previously CEO at both Mitchell & Butlers and Six Continents.
Commenting on his new role, Clarke said, “Birmingham Airport is growing strongly so I am very much looking forward to joining the business and helping to develop further its ambitions for the future. I believe Birmingham Airport has great potential for further growth and expansion, reflecting the strengths of the West Midlands economy and the benefits of HS2 (High Speed 2 rail route). My first objective will be to lead the recruitment of a new CEO to fulfil that opportunity.”
Clarke is taking over from John Hudson OBE, who is retiring after being in the role for 20 years. Hudson will now focus on his duties as high sheriff of the West Midlands and as West Midlands’s deputy lieutenant.
Hudson commented, “It’s been a privilege to help guide the airport through huge highs but I’m pleased to retire from my position at a time of enormous success. When taking the responsibility of chairman in 1997, the airport handled just half the number of people a year seen today and I’m sure that Tim and the airport board will continue to drive this vital asset, that I’m so very proud of, to great new heights.”