Before joining airport operator BAA in 2004, he spent 14 years with the Virgin Group, working closely with Sir Richard Branson as a Board Director of the Virgin Travel Group, embracing the commercial activities of both Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Trains. Prior to this, in the 1980s, he spent four years in Hong Kong developing the marketing, commercial planning and technology functions for the then start-up airline Dragonair.

Paul’s career in transportation arose out of the strict advice of his father not to pursue his passion for music. Paul has managed to combine a high profile career with a schedule of concert and recital engagements and has made many public appearances as a recitalist, continuo player and soloist in concerti with major orchestras.

He started to learn to play the organ at the age of 10 and later studied both music and computer science. Having aspired to train as a Cathedral Organist, he was highly placed in several national competitions and worked his way through a series of professional qualifications to become a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists. He has since become a Council member, Chairman of the Executive Committee and a Vice President of the Royal College. Paul is married to Joanna (also a concert organist and composer) and has three children.