A Belfast man is to take the helm of Heathrow Airport, following the resignation of Mark Bullock, the man in charge of the disastrous Terminal 5 launch.

Mike Brown, a Queen's University graduate, will leave his current Chief Operating Officer post at London Underground in September to take up the Managing Directorship at the airport, which includes the £4.3bn Terminal 5.

Earlier this month, Heathrow owner BAA announced Mr Bullock had "chosen to leave the company" due to adjustments in management structures.

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Mr Brown has managed London Underground for the past 18 years, and overseen the turbulent results of the 7 July terrorist attacks on three tubes trains in 2005, which caused the death of 39 passengers.

Mr Brown's London colleagues have described him as a "good listener" who "gets things done".

After completing his studies at Campell College, Mr Brown, now 44, graduated with a degree and MBA from QUB.

Newly appointed BAA Chief Executive said: "Mike joins BAA with a strong background in senior operational and customer service roles in a regulated and challenging environment and I know that he is looking forward to the important role he will play at Heathrow."

Mr Brown, who was made a member of the Royal Victorian Order by the Queen for his part in the 2002 Jubilee celebrations, is said to have caused a blow to Transport for London with his departure, especially after the newly elected city mayor, Boris Johnson, pledged to improve transport in the capital.

(PR/JM)