Airport Chief is Suspended

Newcastle Airport chief executive John Parkin has been suspended.

As reported in later editions of last night’s Chronicle, Mr Parkin, 52, has been removed from his day-to-day duties while an inquiry takes place into what the airport described as “certain personal contractual issues”.

A statement from the airport confirmed his suspension and said an investigation is being carried out. It added: “During this investigation, David Laws will carry out the duties of the chief executive.

“In addition, the airport can today announce the appointment of a new executive director, Simon Fisher, who takes up the position of finance director and company secretary. The airport company will not be making any further comment on this matter until the investigation has been concluded.”

The decision is understood to have been taken at a meeting of the airport company board on Thursday.

Graham Eastwood, regional industrial organiser for the Transport and General Workers’ Union, said: “We’re not able to comment until we know the full circumstances. We’ll be monitoring the situation closely because of our working relationship with the airport.”

Mr Parkin was unavailable for comment.

(c) 2007 Evening Chronicle – Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.