Griffins to replace Hamon at ACI Europe

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The distinguished civil servant pledges to work closely with all stakeholders

Roy Griffins is to replace Philippe Hamon as director general of ACI Europe on December 1. A distinguished UK civil servant, Griffins has worked as the country's director general of civil aviation since 1999, overseeing the recent Air Transport White Paper. He has also served as principal private secretary to three UK ministers of transport.

Commenting on his new role, Griffins said: "People today rightly see air travel as fundamental to their quality of life, while international business depends crucially on sending goods and staff by air. Europe's airports are a vital link in the chain of industry, governments and regulators, charged with keeping a thriving civil aviation sector safe, secure and sustainable. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to create a strategic policy framework which will allow our airports to develop responsively and responsibly."

Retiring ACI Europe director general Hamon founded the first permanent representation of European airports to the EU in 1987 and oversaw the creation of ACI Europe in 1991. A former senior executive at BAA, Hamon also played a key role in the ACI Europe Trading conference, which helped involve more airport authorities in discussions affecting travel-retail.