A Belfast man is to take the helm of Heathrow Airport, following the resignation of Mark Bullock, the man in charge of the disastrous Terminal 5 launch.

Mike Brown, a Queen's University graduate, will leave his current Chief Operating Officer post at London Underground in September to take up the Managing Directorship at the airport, which includes the £4.3bn Terminal 5.

Earlier this month, Heathrow owner BAA announced Mr Bullock had "chosen to leave the company" due to adjustments in management structures.


Mr Brown has managed London Underground for the past 18 years, and overseen the turbulent results of the 7 July terrorist attacks on three tubes trains in 2005, which caused the death of 39 passengers.

Mr Brown's London colleagues have described him as a "good listener" who "gets things done".

After completing his studies at Campell College, Mr Brown, now 44, graduated with a degree and MBA from QUB.

Newly appointed BAA Chief Executive said: "Mike joins BAA with a strong background in senior operational and customer service roles in a regulated and challenging environment and I know that he is looking forward to the important role he will play at Heathrow."

Mr Brown, who was made a member of the Royal Victorian Order by the Queen for his part in the 2002 Jubilee celebrations, is said to have caused a blow to Transport for London with his departure, especially after the newly elected city mayor, Boris Johnson, pledged to improve transport in the capital.

(PR/JM)