HR chief’s job is safe despite BA history of unrest

Neil Robertson, the head of HR at British Airways (BA), will not be affected by the swathe of management changes the airline is implementing as new chief executive Willie Walsh begins his tenure.

Walsh, the former chief executive of Irish state airline Aer Lingus who is replacing Sir Rod Eddington, started his new job last Friday amid a series of high-profile management changes.

John Rishton, chief financial officer, has left for Dutch retailer Ahold and will be replaced by Keith Williams, group treasurer and head of taxation.

Mike Street, customer service and operations director, has retired and his responsibilities have been split across functions.

Responsibility for BA’s 14,000 cabin crew and catering has been handed to Martin George, commercial director, while Geoff Want, currently director of safety and security, becomes director of ground operations in the UK and overseas.

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But a company spokeswoman confirmed that Robertson, director of people at BA, is remaining at the airline. “The focus for [Robertson] and his team will be investing in people, which is a key part of our two-year strategy to March 2007,” she said.

“He is also working closely with the unions on our industrial relations strategy.”