UK Civil Aviation Authority appoints new Non-Executive Directors

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has announced the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors.

Garry Copeland will be joining the board as a Non-Executive Director for Aviation Safety. In his position, Garry will provide independent counsel to the Civil Aviation Authority's executive team and will provide a vital role in helping the organisation to deliver its strategic safety objectives. Garry brings with him a wide array of skills and experience having worked in numerous positions across the aviation and aerospace sectors, including roles at British Airways, Cranfield Aerospace Solutions and Air Safety Support International.

Commenting, Garry, said: “I am very happy to be joining the Civil Aviation Authority Board at a time of rapid technology change and with significant environmental and societal challenges”.

Jane Hanson will be joining the board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee. This role is important in shaping the Civil Aviation Authority's corporate governance, internal control and financial audit processes. Jane brings a wealth of experience at Board level having worked at several large plc, customer orientated, regulated and not for profit organisations including Welsh Water, Direct Line Group, Rothesay Insurance and Reclaim Fund Limited.

Commenting, Jane, said: “I am delighted to be joining the Civil Aviation Authority Board at this unprecedented time and I am very much looking forward to playing my part in helping the sector meet the considerable challenges that lie ahead”.

Graham Ward and David King will be leaving the UK Civil Aviation Authority Board following eight years of service each.

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “The Civil Aviation Authority's role is to improve safety, security and consumer protection outcomes. These are exciting, but exceptionally challenging times for the organisation, as we work to safeguard and enable thriving aviation and aerospace sectors. I'm delighted to be able to welcome Garry and Jane to the Board and to the Civil Aviation Authority. They will play a major role in ensuring that we have the skills and experience we need to define and deliver our current tasks and the future of the organisation.

“I would also like to thank sincerely Graham Ward and David King for their outstanding commitment to the Civil Aviation Authority over the last eight years. Their deep expertise, wise counsel and unwavering support has been enormously beneficial to the delivery of the Civil Aviation Authority's objectives throughout some of the most difficult times for the industry, including throughout the coronavirus pandemic as well as the collapse of large-scale travel businesses such as Monarch Airlines and Thomas Cook.”

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport added: “I'm pleased to welcome Garry Copeland and Jane Hanson as the newest Civil Aviation Authority Non-Executive Directors. Each bring fresh perspectives and invaluable insights from their careers across the aviation and aerospace sector.

“These appointments will help the Civil Aviation Authority to navigate the challenges ahead, as the sector builds back better and greener following the pandemic.

“I'd also like to thank Graham Ward and David King for their eight years of service as they leave their posts and the legacy they have created for the Civil Aviation Authority during this timeframe.”

Garry and Jane have been appointed for a period of four years, starting in September.

The Civil Aviation Authority has also recently appointed Air Vice Marshal Simon Edwards to the Board replacing Air Vice Marshal Ian Gale to hold the military representation role on the Civil Aviation Authority Board.