Rolls-Royce appoints new chief executive

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Mr Rishton said Rolls-Royce was 'better placed to face the future'

Rolls-Royce has said that John Rishton will retire as chief executive on 2 July and be replaced by Warren East.

Mr Rishton, who has been at the firm since 2011, said it was "time for a change in lifestyle".

Mr East was head of UK chipmaker Arm Holdings between 2001 and 2013 and has been a non-executive director at Rolls-Royce since the beginning of last year.

He helped turn Arm into a leading developer of chips to major technology companies such as Apple.

He said he was "delighted" to be appointed as the new chief executive.

"[Rolls-Royce] is well positioned in growth markets, with world-class engineering skills and a proud record of innovation and delivery.

"The markets which Rolls Royce serves and the technology it deploys are fascinating. This is a wonderful opportunity and I am very much looking forward to leading this remarkable company."

Mr Rishton said: "We have made good progress transforming Rolls-Royce and have a strong team in place. While there is clearly more to do, the company is better placed to face the future."