Keith Williams (businessman)
British business executive (born 1956)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Keith Williams CBE (born 13 May 1956)[1] is a British businessman who has been chairman of Halfords and Royal Mail since 2018. He was chief executive officer (CEO) of British Airways from 2011 to 2016.
Royal Mail
Keith Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 May 1956 Teesside, England |
| Alma mater | University of Liverpool |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Employer(s) | Halfords Royal Mail |
| Known for | Royal Mail (2018–present) Halfords (2018–present) British Airways (2011–2016) John Lewis (until 2019) |
| Title | Chairman of Halfords and Royal Mail |
Early life
Williams was born in Teesside, England,[2] attended Guisborough Grammar School,[1] and received an undergraduate degree from the University of Liverpool.[3]
Career
Williams spent his early career with Boots, Apple Inc., and Reckitt and Colman.[4]
In 1998, Williams left Reckitt and Colman, and joined British Airways, rising to CEO in 2011, and then chairman.[2][5][6] In April 2016, he was succeeded by Álex Cruz as chairman.[6]
Williams has been a non-executive director and deputy chairman of John Lewis, and a non-executive director of Aviva until May 2019.[4][7]
Williams has been the chairman of Halfords since July 2018.[4]
In May 2019, Williams, then deputy chairman, and a board member since January 2018, succeeded Les Owen as chairman of Royal Mail.[7]
In May 2020, Rico Back resigned as CEO of Royal Mail with immediate effect, and Williams, the chairman, replaced him as executive chairman.[5][8]
Williams is the independent chair of the Government-supported Rail Review.[4]
Honours
In 2019, Williams was awarded an honorary doctorate by Teesside University.[2] He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to the railway industry.[9]
Personal life
Williams is married and has a son and a daughter.[1]