LONDON -- U.K. aerospace and energy company Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (RR.LN) is about to start the search for a new chairman who will replace Simon Robertson, the Sunday Times reported.

Rolls-Royce has taken informal soundings from senior industry executives and headhunters in recent weeks, it said.

The article also said Nigel Rudd, chairman of airport operator BAA Ltd. and Invensys PLC (ISYS.LN), a maker of rail signaling and industrial automation systems, is an early front-runner for the GBP385,000-a-year job.

The report said the board has yet to decide about Mr. Robertson's departure, but said "insiders" are expecting the 71-year-old to step down next year.

A spokesman for Roll-Royce declined to comment.

Newspaper Web site: http://www.timesonline.co.uk

-London Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; +44 (0)20 7842 9320

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