Top RAC man defects to the AA

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, has been poached by rival AA to become president. He will take over the role in the New Year.

King will lead the campaigns that AA runs on behalf of motorists, which covers issues such environmental concerns and road safety.

He became the first director of the RAC Foundation in 1999. He oversaw research into the future of motoring and led campaigns on issues including the global “Make Roads Safe” initiative.

King says: “I am very proud of the work I have done at the Foundation but could not resist the exciting challenge of moving to a bigger organisation with exceptional potential for championing the interest of the motorist in both a representative and commercial sense.”

Sheila Ranger, head of campaigns at the RAC, will become acting director until a permanent replacement for King is appointed.