A former director general of the CBI is to stand down from the board of BAE Systems after just over a year.
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn is to leave her role as a non-executive director at the group's annual general meeting on May 5.
BAE Systems said Dame Carolyn made the decision after accepting a new role as chair of the Royal Mencap Society, "a cause that for personal reasons she cares deeply about and wishes to devote significant time to over the coming years".
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The group added: "Dame Carolyn has chosen to prioritise her work for Mencap, and in doing so help improve the lives of people with learning disabilities across the country in memory of her sister, Diana, who was born with cerebral palsy and led a full life until her death in hospital at the end of last year."
The news comes after Dame Carolyn first joined the group's board on March 1, 2021.
She said: "It has been a privilege to be a member of the BAE Systems board at a time when the company's role in keeping us safe has never been clearer.
"Under the leadership of Sir Roger Carr and Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems is a true global champion, driven by its purpose, values and exceptional people and technology.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have taken the decision to stand down, and do so only because of my new role as chair of Mencap, a charity that has particular meaning to me following the death of my sister last year.
"There is a mountain to climb to ensure everyone with a learning disability is able to reach their full potential, and I am committed to playing my part. I would like to thank Sir Roger, Charles, and my board and executive colleagues for their leadership, professionalism and friendship during my time at BAE Systems."
Dame Carolyn was director-general of the CBI until the end of 2020 and has held non-executive roles with Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, The Vitec Group and Capita.
She was awarded a DBE for services to business in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2019.
Sir Roger Carr, chair of BAE Systems, added: "Dame Carolyn has been a much valued contributor to the Board and we have accepted her resignation with both regret and understanding.
"Her commitment to improving the lives of those with a learning disability in her new role at Mencap is driven by a deep personal experience and we admire and respect her decision to dedicate so much of her time to this important cause."
