NORWICH International Airport has today announced that its managing director is due to leave his post at the end of the year.

NORWICH International Airport has today announced that its managing director is due to leave his post at the end of the year.

Richard Jenner is stepping down on December 31 after more than four years in the post and will be succeeded by the Elliott Summers, the current deputy managing director.

A statement issued by Norwich Airport Limited stated that Mr Jenner was due to retire in November 2009 when he will be 65 but that both parties had agreed it was “important in the current financial and economic climate to put in place arrangements to provide longer term direction and leadership for the airport and to have the new managing director take charge of the 2009/10 budgeting process for which he can then take full responsibility and accountability”.

Mr Summers said: “Obviously I wish Richard well and I am delighted to be offered this opportunity to lead the airport forward into 2009 and beyond.

“Although the economic climate is challenging, and in particular for the aviation sector, I embrace the opportunity of taking the airport forward to the benefit of our customers, staff and shareholders alike.”

Mr Jenner said: “I have enjoyed my role as MD of the airport immensely and the working relationships I have developed with a wide range of people and organisations, both in the local business community and the aviation industry.

“I fully understand that the airport company needs to look to the future and that it is important that a new MD is in place sooner rather than later to develop a robust strategy to take the airport forward in 2009 and the years ahead.

“The thing I shall miss most is the excellent working relationship I have enjoyed with many of the airport staff at all levels throughout the organisation.

“I wish them well in the future and will watch with interest the ongoing development of the Airport in the years ahead.

“The airport is a fantastic facility for the whole region and a key factor in the future growth of the local economy and its prosperity. I hope that it will continue to develop and be duly valued by the local community.”