Kath James is managing director of London Luton Airport. A qualified accountant, Kath joined TBI in 1996 and held a number of key roles including finance director of Orlando Sanford Airport, Stockholm Skavsta Airport and AGI in the USA.
She was finance, human resources and commercial director at London Luton for four years before the parent consortium ACDL appointed her as managing director in August last year.
A Chamber spokesman said: “The Chamber has been working closely with the airport, which is recognised as a key economic driver for the region, for some time. Welcoming Kath to the board is therefore an opportunity to cement this relationship, which will also allow the Chamber to benefit from her considerable experience in the aviation and accountancy sectors.”
Judy Oliver (pictured), of You Unlimited, specialises in training. She set up Unlimited in 2001 after working for the Dale Carnegie Training Organisation for five years. Before that, Judy had been national sales manager with The Dee Group for 15 years.
She not only works widely with blue chip companies but also with local small and medium-sized enterprises and has provided services to businesses in sectors as diverse as care homes, manufacturing and the professions.
The spokesman said: “Developing the skills of the local workforce is an important part of the Chamber’s activity and Judy’s unique experience in this field will be a welcome addition to the board’s own skill set.”
Gareth Smith is retained as a consultant to SMC Charter Architects with whom he has completed 28 years. Gareth is a director of Create:MKSM, a local ‘version’ of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment with responsibilities for the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Growth Area.
He believes that considerable effort will be required to ensure that Bedfordshire achieves its proper place and due consideration in the development of the Growth Area. “The Chamber wants to ensure that the business community is at the heart of decision-making regarding growth plans for the region,” said the spokesman.
