Britain's aerospace and defense giant Rolls-Royce Group plc announced Tuesday that Euan Baird has resigned from his posts as chairman and director of the company because of poor health.

Baird suffered a stroke in December and needs a long period of convalescence. His resignation takes effect immediately, the company said in a press release.

The company's nominations committee, comprising the non-executive directors and the chief executive, has begun the search for a new chairman, the press release said.

Reports here said Lord Moore of Lower Marsh, who has been acting chairman in Baird's absence, will serve as interim chairman.

"Euan Baird has made a significant and lasting contribution to Rolls-Royce in his period as chairman and the board is very sorry that he has had to stand down," Moore said in a statement.

The group recruited Scottish-born Baird as its non-executive director in November 2002 before appointing him chairman on February 1, 2003.

Source: Xinhua