THE former chief of Belfast City Airport John Doran has been appointed Managing Director of Belfast International. He will take up his new role at the beginning of February next year.

Aged 45, John is a Chartered Accountant, having graduated from Queens University Belfast with a BSc in Economics & Business Administration and also holds an MSc in Engineering. Previously he had been Human Resources Director with Short Brothers plc and subsequently Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport, where he led the substantial expansion of the airport and the eventual transition of ownership from Bombardier to Grupo Ferrovial.

After leaving Belfast City, he became Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour Commissioners and has more recently been providing consulting services to clients within the aviation sector.

In confirming the appointment, Albert Harrison, Chief Operating Officer of TBI plc, said: "John has invaluable experience as a business leader in our industry and in the market and political environment of Northern Ireland.

"I look forward to welcoming him to the Group and to the first-class team at Belfast International Airport, where he will be leading the next key phases in the development of the business for the social and economic benefit of the region."