'The time is right to move on'

11:21am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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SUBSTANTIAL changes to the job of running the UK's busiest airport were behind the departure of its boss.

Mark Bullock, whose resignation from the role of managing director at Heathrow Airport was announced earlier, said: "Leading the team at Heathrow is an intense and demanding role, but one I have enjoyed very much.

"The managing director role will change substantially under the new structure being introduced by BAA's chief executive Colin Matthews.

"While I understand and support those important changes, the time is clearly right for me to move on and take on new challenges."

Mr Matthews said: "Mark Bullock has made a significant contribution to BAA, and to Heathrow in particular, and has led the airport through a particularly challenging period.

"I am grateful for his efforts."

Mr Bullock will be replaced by Mike Brown, the current chief operating officer of London Underground, who will join BAA in September.

Until then, the airport will be run by acting managing director Terry Morgan.

Mr Matthews said: "I look forward to working with Mr Brown and his team as we continue driving passenger service standards across the airport."

Last month BAA announced changes to the structure of the company.

The plans mean Heathrow will no longer be managed by its own executive committee.

Instead a new executive committee responsible for all of BAA's airports will be created, with the aim of focusing on daily operations at Heathrow.

Heathrow's managing director will get a seat on the new committee.