Gatwick Airport has announced Sir David Higgins will become its new Chairman from next year.

Sir David, who is currently Chairman of HS2, will take up the new position on 01 January 2017.

He will replace Sir Roy McNulty, who is to remain on the Gatwick Board as Deputy Chairman.

Speaking on the announcement, Sir Roy said: "I am delighted Sir David has accepted the appointment as the new Chairman of Gatwick. We worked closely together for over five years at the Olympic Delivery Authority.

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"He combines a first class intellect with the ability to give clear strategic direction and make things happen. He is exactly the right person to lead Gatwick through the next chapter in its development."

Sir David added: "Whilst the case for Gatwick expansion in the future remains very strong, the challenge for Gatwick now is to continue to invest so it can maximise the use of its existing facilities and so can do even more for Britain in the coming years."

In October, the Government rejected proposals by Gatwick to build a second runway, instead opting to expand Heathrow Airport.

(LM)