Mike Hodgkinson

Sir Michael Hodgkinson

One of Britain’s most respected business leaders, Sir Michael Hodgkinson is the former Chief Executive of the principal UK airport operator, BAA plc.

After graduating from Nottingham University with an honours degree in Industrial Economics in 1965, he began his business career in the automotive industry with Ford. In 1970, Sir Michael was recruited by British Leyland where he spent 13 years, rising to become Managing Director of Land Rover/Range Rover. He then moved to Grand Metropolitan plc, becoming Chief Executive Officer of group’s European Food Division.

Sir Michael joined BAA plc In January, 1992 as Group Airports Director, responsible for the management of London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London Stansted, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Southampton airports, as well as the company’s overseas airport interests. He was appointed overall Chief Executive Officer of BAA plc in October 1999.

On retiring in 2003, Sir Michael took up several non-executive director posts, including Chairmanship of First Choice Holidays plc and Post Office Ltd. He is currently a non-executive Director of Dublin Airport Authority; a Board member of Transport for London; a non-executive Director of Crossrail Ltd and Deputy Chairman of Tui Travel plc.

Sir Michael was knighted in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the air travel industry.