BAA names Collie successor

John Rimmer

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The UK airports group has named Stephen Nelson as retail director, succeeding Brian Collie

UK airports group BAA has named Stephen Nelson as its new retail director, succeeding Brian Collie who left the company earlier this year. He will join BAA's executive committee responsible for the group's operational management.

Nelson, who will begin his new role in early autumn, joins from supermarket chain J Sainsbury, where he is currently marketing director. He previously worked at liquor supplier Diageo, where he was managing director of Guinness Great Britain and president of Diageo (North America) South West.

BAA CEO Mike Clasper said: "I am delighted that Stephen Nelson has joined BAA. He has strong retail, marketing and commercial experience which will be of immense value to BAA as we look to build on our great track record in airport retailing. I am confident that Stephen will be a major addition to our leadership team."

Nelson will oversee all aspects of BAA's retail business including retail arm World Duty Free. He will also be responsible for developing new income streams and building the company's brand value.

A spokesman for BAA told RavenFox.com that Nelson's role corresponded with that held by Collie despite the slight change in title—Collie's position at BAA was group retail director. "We've repositioned our operating model so some job titles have changed, but Stephen's role will have no less scope than Brian's did."