THE Welsh Rugby Union Roger Lewis is to become the next chairman of Cardiff Airport.

Mr Lewis will take up the non-executive position on November 1st 2015 when current Chair Lord Rowe-Beddoe stands down. Mr Lewis announced last month he would be leaving the WRU on October 31st following this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.

Announcing the appointment today, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport Edwina Hart said: “I am delighted Roger has agreed to take on this important role and to build on the considerable progress both in route expansion and facilities improvement already overseen at Cardiff Airport by Lord Rowe-Beddoe over the past two years.

“I thank Lord-Rowe Beddoe for his commitment to the Airport since we took ownership two years ago. Recent achievements such as the new Flybe destinations from Cardiff mean the Airport is in a far stronger position now than when we bought it and Lord Rowe-Beddoe has been a key contributor to that success.”

First Minister Carwyn Jones welcomed the appointment. He said: “Roger has done an excellent job as Chief Executive of the WRU over the past nine years and I look forward to him bringing the same level of professionalism and commitment when he takes over the helm at Cardiff Airport.”

Roger Lewis said: “Cardiff Airport is crucial to the economy of Wales both in terms of bringing visitors to our country and enabling easier business links with Europe and the rest of the world. I am thrilled by the appointment and honoured by the confidence being shown in me. I am now looking forward to focussing on the challenges ahead, working together with Welsh Government and the team at the Airport to continue the developments achieved both in the choice for travellers flying from and to Wales as well as in the infrastructure.”