Jose Leo is the new CFO of BAA

Jose Leo, Group Finance Director of Amey plc, the business services group, is to join BAA, the UK airports group, as Chief Financial Officer.

Stephen Nelson, Chief Executive of BAA, said: “Jose brings very valuable experience in leading Amey’s restructuring process in the UK, as well as a decade of success within Ferrovial Group in various managerial posts. In a new era, he will help us focus upon achieving higher performance.”

Jose Leo succeeds Margaret Ewing, who has decided to step down from BAA. Jose Leo was appointed Group Finance Director of Amey plc in May 2003. Prior to that he was Managing Director of Ferrovial Telecomunicaciones. Before joining Ferrovial, he was Chief Financial Officer and Manager of Business Development at Agroman, the Spanish construction company which was acquired by Ferrovial.

Jose Leo said: “I am delighted to join BAA, which has responsibility for some of the UK’s most vital assets.”

BAA also announces today that Ian Hargreaves, Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Director, has decided to leave the company.

Stephen Nelson said: “Margaret and Ian have done a first class job for BAA. They have helped me manage the transition to new ownership, and both are now looking forward to new challenges. I wish them every success in the future.”

He added: “The new Executive Committee will be smaller and sharply focused, reflecting my determination to achieve a rapid and demonstrable increase in the efficiency and performance of the business.”