THE owner of Southampton Airport has named its next chief executive.

AGS Airports Ltd, which also owns and operates Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said Andy Cliffe would succeed Derek Provan in the job.

His appointment comes as the Eastleigh site prepares to build a runway extension to allow a wider range of flights following a lengthy planning and legal battle.

Mr Cliffe spent 19 years with the Manchester Airports Group (MAG) where he served as a member of the executive committee and was managing director of East Midlands and Bournemouth airports.

More recently, he was chief executive of Midland Expressway, which operates the UK’s only major toll road, the M6toll.

Mr Cliffe will take up his position at AGS on January 1.

He said: “I am relishing the opportunity of joining AGS and leading the group into the next chapter of its development. Having worked in the sector for almost 20 years, I fully recognise that the success of airports and the regions they serve is intertwined. Not only are they enablers for the success of other industries, they create much needed employment and drive wider prosperity. I am looking forward to getting started and working with the teams, business partners and wider communities served by Aberdeen, Glasgow and Southampton airports.”

Lena Wilson, chair of AGS, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Andy on board in the new year. His track record within aviation speaks for itself, particularly his experience of leading and developing regional airports.

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"The board and I will work alongside Andy as we continue our journey of regrowth post-Covid and balancing the undoubted economic and social benefits AGS delivers with our commitment to growing sustainably.

“I would also like to thank Derek for his commitment and leadership during his time at AGS and for supporting the Board as we worked to appoint his successor.”

AGS Airports chief executive Derek Provan said: “I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to lead this fantastic business and to have worked with the dedicated and committed people who make AGS. I now leave the business in a strong position and in the hands of a very experienced and capable chief executive and wish Andy and the business every success in the future.”