THE FORMER boss of Saints football club has been appointed to the helm of Britain's biggest commercial airshow.

Farnborough International has appointed former Southampton FC chief executive Gareth Rogers as its new CEO.

The company co-organises the world-famous Farnborough International Airshow and also owns the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Gareth said: “I am delighted to be joining the company at this exciting time. The Farnborough brand, its pioneering spirit and the company’s ambition, is something that resonates strongly with me.

"I am looking forward to leading such an exciting business, putting on high-profile events and experiences, as well as working with the great Farnborough International team.”

Mr Rogers parted company with Saints earlier this year to pursue other opportunities but had an impressive track record of success at Southampton FC where he joined as chief financial officer in 2011 and was then promoted to chief executive in 2014.

During his time as CEO, he was widely praised for steering Saints back towards sound financial footing after inheriting a difficult situation upon taking over the chief executive role.

The club’s latest set of accounts, released in March 2017, revealed another profit as well as a growth in commercial revenue, while Rogers himself stressed the need to continue to lower the club’s debt levels.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS Group, co-organiser of the Farnborough International Airshow, said: “I am delighted Gareth is joining Farnborough International.

"His leadership and experience will help us realise the full potential of the business, ensuring the airshow remains a global showcase for the aerospace, defence and space industries, the new venue delivers an outstanding experience for its clients, and we maximise the full value of our brand."

CONTACT ME:

t: 023 8042 4880

e: richard.percival@dailyecho.co.uk