Ian Hutcheson DMS FImgt is Security Director for BAA Airports Ltd., one of the largest airport operators in Europe. In addition to the six UK airports, Heathrow, Stansted Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Southampton, BAA Airports Ltd., also own and operate Naples International airport and the Heathrow Express rail service.
He is responsible for security strategy, policy, continuous improvement and assurance for all BAA Businesses. This role requires Ian to develop and maintain strong relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders including Government Ministers and Officials. He has given evidence on a wide variety of Aviation Security topics to, Congressional Committees, the European Parliament Transport and Tourism Committee and the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.
Ian is a member of Airports Council International (Europe), and regularly represents Europe's airports at the European Commission Stakeholder Advisory Group and the European Civil Aviation Conference Technical Task Force.
As security director for BAA, Chairman of the Airports Council International (Europe) and UK Airport Operators Association security committees Ian has led the response of UK and European airports to the ever present terrorist threat to aviation including 9-11, the August 10 liquids plot, Glasgow airport bomb attempt and the recent attack on NW 253. This has required Ian to identify and deploy new technologies and processes that mitigate the risks from innovative terrorist methodologies whilst at the same time facilitating growing passenger numbers and delivering good customer service.
Prior to joining BAA in November 1997, Ian had a distinguished career with the London Metropolitan Police. During his career he was directly involved with the initial response to a number of terrorist incidents in Central London and at Heathrow Airport. These included the siege of the Iranian embassy in 1980, the Libyan Peoples Bureau Siege in 1984 and in 1987, when he commanded the armed response teams at Heathrow, the attempt to sabotage an El Al aircraft. (Hindawi incident) In the latter years of his police service Ian commanded the police Division at Richmond upon Thames and subsequently Heathrow airport.
Ian has regularly represented BAA and ACI at national and international conferences and has a wealth of experience upon which to draw.