Engineering giant Rolls-Royce appoints its first female chair

Rolls-Royce, which has its civil aerospace and defence division in Derby, has appointed its first female chair in its 115-year history.

The engineering giant, which is the city’s largest private sector employer, has appointed Anita Frew, who is currently chair of science, technology and chemicals group Croda.

Rolls-Royce said Ms Frew, 63, emerged as the “outstanding candidate” after a comprehensive search.

She has held board appointments in the UK and globally for the past 20 years, with recent former roles including deputy chairman and senior independent director at Lloyds Banking Group.

Ms Frew also previously worked as a director at advertising group WPP, with its founder Sir Martin Sorrell, and held roles at Royal Bank of Scotland.

Sir Kevin Smith, senior independent director at Rolls-Royce, said: “She brings a wealth of experience from two decades of board appointments both in the UK and internationally, and her skills and reputation with investors and government institutions will be invaluable to the group.”Sir Ian Davis said: “Rolls-Royce is a pioneering company with tremendous potential and it has been a huge privilege and responsibility to be its chairman.“I am immensely grateful to my fellow board members for their support and hard work during my tenure as chairman.

“I wish Anita every success as she joins the board at a very exciting time for Rolls-Royce as we deliver a more sustainable agenda.”Warren East, chief executive at Rolls-Royce. added: “I would like to thank Ian for his steadfast leadership, guidance and unwavering support during a crucial period for the group, both strategically and operationally.

“Ian has played a key role in contributing to Rolls-Royce’s future and on behalf of the executive team and all our employees, I would like to wish him well for the future.I am delighted to welcome Anita to Rolls-Royce, with her extensive experience and leadership I look forward to working with her.”Recently, the firm officially opened the world’s largest and smartest indoor aerospace engine testbed at its aerospace headquarters in Sinfin, costing £90 million.

The building, named Testbed 80, has taken three years to make and is said to be the symbol showing Rolls-Royce’s long term commitment to the city of Derby.

Big enough to house an entire football pitch, the building includes a frame so strong that it can hold a large jet engine at full throttle and a tank that can hold 140,000kg of fuel.