Airport unveils new face to lead vision for future
Ron Smith was this week named as the final piece in the management jigsaw at Prestwick Airport, after being unveiled as the new chief executive of the aviation base.
The former operations manager of North Sea oil and gas firm, CHC Helicopters, boasts a career spanning more than 25 years in aviation, manufacturing, technology and engineering.
His appointment has been hailed as a “huge step forward for the airport,” following a long period of recruitment to put key figures in position.
Chairman Andrew Miller said on Tuesday that the process had been “one of the most important” in his time at the airport.
During Smith’s tenure with CHC, he delivered a new hangar, terminal and class leading operations centre to establish a new CHC Helicopter base at Norwich Airport.
He also successfully led a business case to secure £ 20 million for a redevelopment programme of CHC’s base at Aberdeen Airport.
And now bosses at Prestwick believe they have the right man to lead their team for the future.
Chairman Miller said:“In his previous roles, he ( Smith) has successfully led organisations through periods of change in order to meet objectives like securing finance, increasing productivity and profitability and developing and marketing new product and service offerings.
“All of this experience will be invaluable to Glasgow Prestwick.”
Smith, 61, replaces interim chief executive Richard Jenner, who filled the role since September.
His past credits include a stint as managing director of James Walker UK Limited, a UK- based global manufacturing firm that supplies fluid and gas sealing solutions to sectors including oil and gas, aerospace, power and defence markets.
He said: “I can’t wait to take up this new role.
“Glasgow Prestwick Airport is a major infrastructure and economic asset for Ayrshire, Scotland and the United Kingdom and I am keen to protect that for generations to come by delivering a profitable and sustainable business.
“It is exciting to be part of a newly formed team with a new vision.
“It is evident that momentum is picking up and I am keen to come in and build upon that to drive things forward at pace.
“I look forward to getting my feet under the desk and working with the team to help the airport fulfil its full potential.”
Smith joins Mike Stewart, Derek Banks, Jules Matteoni and Sonia Rafferty on the airport’s top team.