Highlands Airport Company Seeks New Leadership for Board

A significant leadership change may be on the horizon for Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), as the company looks to appoint two vital positions on its board. Today, the Scottish Ministers, who are the owners of HIAL, announced their search for a new chair and a non-executive director to join the board.

HIAL manages a network of **11 airports** across the Highlands, including **Inverness Airport** and **Wick John O’ Groats Airport**. The board currently consists of six non-executive directors, including the chair, alongside two executive directors: the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer. The board plays a crucial role in overseeing the senior management team, challenging their strategic direction, and providing guidance on various aviation and non-aviation matters.

The responsibilities of the board encompass a wide range of critical areas. This includes reviewing safety and security measures, risk management practices, corporate governance, finance, business and commercial strategies, as well as human resources. The upcoming appointments are expected to bring fresh perspectives to these areas, which are essential for the ongoing success of the airports under HIAL’s management.

The closing date for applications is set for **September 30, 2023**. Interested candidates can find more information through the official advertisement from the Scottish Government. This recruitment drive is pivotal as HIAL continues to navigate the complex landscape of regional air travel and aims to enhance its operational effectiveness in serving the Highlands community.

The changes in leadership at HIAL could significantly influence its strategic priorities and operational focus in the coming years, especially in a sector that has faced numerous challenges recently. As the search for new board members progresses, stakeholders will be keenly observing the outcomes and their potential impacts on the future of regional air travel in Scotland.