David Noyes is to take up the role of chair of Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) with effect from April - and has his sights set firmly on connecting Yorkshire to the world.

Noyes will support the airport's continued focus on development, as well as improvements to the passenger experience, following the departure of former Asda-chief Andy Clarke, who steps down this spring at the end of his planned four-year tenure.

During his time as chair, Clarke used his expertise to support the transformation of LBA’s commercial and customer strategy, as well as the navigation of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery, leaving the airport well positioned to develop its future vision as an outstanding regional airport.

He said he was "delighted" to have been associated with the airport for the last four years, especially as Yorkshire is an important part of his heritage.

"I have been proud to work towards creating the airport that Yorkshire deserves," said Clarke. 

"We now have a strong management team in place to continue that journey as the focus turns more towards infrastructure development and sustainable growth.”

Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, said: “We thank Andy Clarke for his services to Leeds Bradford Airport and for the legacy he leaves, delivering a strong commercial outlook and returning the airport to pre-pandemic levels.

"LBA is embarking on an exciting period of development as we look to enhance our passenger experience and move towards a net zero future.

"David will be crucial in supporting us to achieve those ambitions. We look forward to welcoming him and collaborating to make LBA the outstanding, modern, regional airport our passengers deserve.”

David Noyes joins with many years of industry expertise from across the leisure and transport sectors and will oversee the execution of LBA’s infrastructure and growth strategy.

In addition to his roles as CEO of Gray Dawes Travel, Cunard and P&O cruises between 2008 and 2018, Noyes previously held multiple senior positions at British Airways focussed on airport operations.

This led to him becoming managing director for British Airways at Heathrow Airport and director of customer services, with responsibility for BA’s airport operations worldwide.

Since stepping down from his CEO role in 2018, he has been appointed to several boards as a non-executive director or chair, including as non-executive director at London Luton Airport.

Noyes said: “I am very happy to be joining the Board of Leeds Bradford Airport and returning to Yorkshire where I was brought up, schooled and learned my cricket. 

"The airport has an exciting development agenda and I look forward to leading the creation of an outstanding airport, connecting Yorkshire to the world.”