Last month’s shock sacking of Bob Mackenzie saw the split of his combined role of executive chairman at the AA, with John Leach named as chairman and Simon Breakwell as acting chief executive – now things have become official for the latter.

Breakwell has been confirmed as permanent CEO, according to The Telegraph, which cited sources previously saying Mackenzie “snapped” after taking a combination of diazepam, beer, and wine while the team was out in Surrey last July. Mackenzie allegedly attacked head of insurance Michael Lloyd, leading to the firing a week later for “gross misconduct”.   

Commenting on the swift action, Breakwell said “the board behaved honourably,” as quoted by the report. “We have a marvellous board to make the decision under that pressure, of that profundity,” he added.

While Breakwell declined to say more about Mackenzie’s case, he revealed plans to review the AA’s business. The report said a new strategy will be announced in the first half of 2018.


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