Totally agree with 13901 above (and WW, for that matter) on the need for constant change, as long as the baby is not thrown out with the bath-water.
However, I do find the headline quote in this thread somewhat hypocritical if spoken by Walsh, in view of the continuing emphasis by BA on its past glories, no doubt in order to give a perception of a brand and product for which it is worth paying more than the LCCs. For example, this from the travel press in Sep 2011 when he was CEO of IAG:

"British Airways (BA) has made the most of its illustrious history with its latest advertising campaign.
This will be the biggest and most widely spread advertising campaign that BA have undertaken in over a decade. You’ll be able to see the flag carrier’s efforts in the newspapers, on TV and online.
For the TV and online charm offensive, BA have a new advert that plays on their long history of service and experience that goes back to the origins of aviation. Here is BA’s historic heartstring-tugger of an ad that emphasises their motto of “To Fly. To Serve.”