He joined Ford Motor Company and worked with the company for 15 years , qualifying as an accountant and later becoming finance director of the company 's Portuguese and Spanish operations . He joined British Airways in 1994 as the head of finance for the United States division . He became its chief finance officer in 2001 . When the September 11 attacks took place , he was recognized for encouraging a program to re-structure the company and reduce its debt . He left BA in September 2005 . Rishton joined Ahold in January 2006 as finance director and in November 2007 became head of the retailer replacing Anders Moberg . In March 2011 , he was appointed Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
John Rishton