British Midland, the UK`s second largest scheduled airline, today announced a number of major appointments and the re-organisation of its senior management team. The move will ensure that the airline is structured to meet the challenges of its future expansion plans, including its commitment to re-enter the transatlantic market.

The re-organisation, under the direction of James Hogan, British Midland`s chief operating officer who joined the airline earlier this year, includes the arrival of three directors with a wide range of global experience in the airline industry.

John Morgan joins the airline as director, marketing/sales from British Airways, where he previously headed-up business sales for the United Kingdom/Ireland. In eleven years at British Airways, John worked in Europe and Asia/Pacific in operations, marketing and sales and is well respected throughout the industry.

Peter Rowe has been appointed services director. Peter joins from Ansett Airlines with 20 years aviation experience. Most recently he was alliance manager, responsible for the integration of Ansett Airlines into the Star Alliance. Prior to this, his airline background has covered operations, marketing and sales. The Services group will consist of airports, catering, cabin services, services training and customer relations.

Rohan Alce joins British Midland as cargo director from Virgin Express where he was director of marketing and sales. Rohan has over 30 years international airline experience with Virgin and British Caledonian. He has held many senior positions at Virgin Atlantic, including director, sales, and director, Americas. Rohan will focus on the structure of the cargo operations to improve the revenue and profits through a strong focus on customer programmes.
In addition to the new directors joining the airline, the management re-organisation also includes existing members of James Hogan’s senior management team.

Jan Benson, previously British Midland`s services director, has been appointed ground operations director. Jan has many years experience in the airline industry, including 15 years with American Airlines.

Captain Richard Hill has been appointed director of flight operations and will focus on a new pilot structure to support British Midland`s short and long haul operations. Captain Hill was most recently responsible for the successful integration of the Airbus aircraft into the British Midland fleet.

Graham Norman, commercial director with many years experience in both short and long haul operations, will focus on a number of key activities and in particular the planing and implementation of the airlines return into transatlantic services.

The new directors will all be based at British Midland’s main operational base at London Heathrow airport.

James Hogan, chief operating officer, said:

“The re-organisation of the management team at British Midland is a fundamental strategic step in the development of the airline. We have brought together a number of the highest-calibre multi-talented airline executives to give us the appropriate structure to develop the business and face the challenges that lie ahead.
“We operate in an increasingly competitive environment and are also committed to introducing transatlantic services and much-needed competition to business travellers to the USA. The team, which I have put in place, boasts a wealth of international airline expertise to meet that challenge.”

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