Aurrigo International plc has made Lewis Girdwood its executive director of aviation technology.
The former head of financial planning and analysis at EasyJet and chief financial officer of IAG Cargo will be responsible for rolling out the company’s third generation Auto-DollyTug, an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the utility of a baggage tractor with the ULD carrying capability of an airport dolly all in one.
There will also be a strong focus on introducing the firm’s Auto-Sim 3D digital twin software to more strategic partners, technology that can help airlines and airports simulate the impact of electrification and autonomous vehicles in the digital world.
“This is a really exciting time for Aurrigo, with recent partnerships and contracts giving us real momentum in the aviation sector and we expect more to follow,” explained Girdwood, who has more than 35 years’ experience in corporate finance and aviation.
“Autonomous technology is constantly being spoken about, but there are few companies who are at the stage where they are deploying it in a real-world environment.
“By the middle of this year, Auto-DollyTug will be demonstrating the movement of luggage and cargo around five airports, delivering greener efficiencies and a potential answer to the sector’s widening skills gap.”
Girdwood, who previously held non-exec audit chair position at Aurrigo, has worked with several high-profile businesses at different stages of their growth and maturity.
He has significant experience in aviation and delivering strong financial performance and will use this expertise to help deliver the company’s ambitious growth plans through the mix of strategic customer partnerships it has signed and those currently in discussion.
David Keene, chief executive officer at Aurrigo, added his support: “Lewis has already proved his value to the business since he came on to the board and this latest role will tap into his extensive financial and aviation background, whilst his ability to maximise commercial partnerships will be crucial over the next 12 months.”
Lewis’ move has created an opening for a new board member, with Aurrigo welcoming Peter Whiting as a new independent non-executive director and chair of the Audit Committee.
He has enjoyed a twenty-five-year career as an investment analyst in equity capital markets, and has spent the past twelve years as a non-exec on the board of several public and private companies, currently including Kooth plc, FDM Group plc, Celebrus Technologies plc and Team17 Group plc.
