In a statement Rolls-Royce said, Anita Frew will succeed Ian Davis as the company’s chairwoman on October 1 2021, making her the first woman to chair the British aero-engine company. Davis will be retiring from the company as its chairman after nine years in the role.

Frew, 63, is currently chair of science and chemicals group Croda and a non-executive director of mining giant BHP Group.

Rolls-Royce’s senior independent director Kevin Smith said that Frew was the clear choice to lead the group as he thanked Davis for his service.

“The company conducted a comprehensive search and Anita emerged as the outstanding candidate,” said Smith in a statement on Wednesday.

Frew will be joining the company at a time when it is trying to recover from the devastating economic impact of the coronavirus-induced COVID-19 pandemic when a lot its income from airline customers have dried up in 2020 after air travel came to a standstill. Rolls-Royce, has cut costs, taken on debt and raised equity to survive.

Frew will be joining the company’s board on July 1.

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