Heathrow Airport CEO John Holland-Kaye will step down later this year after nine years in the top job, the airport＊s board of directors has announced.
In a statement the board thanked Holland-Kaye for his ※exceptional leadership§ and for developing a consumer-focused culture while also improving cost efficiency.
During his tenure, Holland-Kaye navigated the business through both the pandemic and the recovery in travel demand 每 which saw the introduction of a capacity cap 每 and led development plans for Heathrow＊s third runway, which secured parliamentary approval despite backlash from environmental groups. He has also been credited for putting aviation ＆firmly on course＊ for net zero by 2050 following the release of Heathrow＊s sustainable growth plan last year.
However, the airport suffered a difficult 2022 as travel recovered, with
Holland-Kaye blamed by some airlines for the extensive delays and cancellations
that blighted it. He was also criticised by airlines amid proposed
increases in landing fees.
Heathrow Airport chair, Lord Deighton, said: ※John has been an extraordinary leader of Heathrow. During the past nine years, he has worked tirelessly and collaboratively with shareholders, ministers, airlines and other stakeholders to ensure the country can be proud of its 'front door'.?
※The board would like to put on record our gratitude to John for his dedication and commitment to Heathrow throughout his tenure as CEO,§ he added.
The board has begun the search for Holland-Kaye's replacement, however he will remain as CEO until a successor is appointed.