Miss Thornton, 31, will assume her new post in October 2003 when John Burns retires as the airport operator’s Financial Controller and Company Secretary after 15 years' service.

Miss Thornton is currently Company Accountant at HIAL, responsible for six members of staff in accounts and payroll.

A former pupil of Fortrose Academy, she graduated in 1992 with an MA in Accountancy from the University of Aberdeen and worked for Angus Mackenzie & Company (now Mackenzie Kerr) in Inverness during vacations.

After university, Miss Thornton joined Ernst & Young in Inverness on a training contract and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1995 - joining HIAL as an Accountant in September of that year.

In 1998 Miss Thornton was promoted to the position of Company Accountant and in 1999 she was seconded to the Scottish Executive Development Department for six months before resuming her role with HIAL.

Commenting on her appointment, Jane Thornton said: "I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to further my career within HIAL. I have gained considerable experience during my seven years with the company which I now hope to build upon. I look forward to continuing my strong working relationship with my colleagues at HIAL and welcome the opportunities and challenges which my new position presents."

John Burns added: "Jane has secured this senior post with HIAL after a rigorous appointment process involving some very strong external candidates. I am delighted that she will be continuing her career with HIAL where she has proved her considerable abilities over the past seven years and is a key member of the management team."

Bob Macleod, HIAL’s Managing Director added: "We are committed to enabling employees to develop their careers within HIAL and Jane’s appointment is testament to her skills and abilities. I am confident that she will carry on the excellent work she has performed for the company to date and will fulfil her new role with professionalism and dedication."

ENDS