Heathrow Airport seeks new CEO as Holland-Kaye steps down

John Holland-Kaye announces intention to stand down as Chief Executive Officer of London Heathrow Airport

After nine years as CEO of Heathrow Airport, John Holland-Kaye has informed the Board of his intention to stand down as CEO during 2023.

The Board would like to thank John for his exceptional leadership since 2014, building a strong management team, developing a consumer-focused culture, improving cost efficiency and putting Heathrow at the forefront of global aviation’s decarbonization.

The transformation of the airport during John’s time as CEO has been recognized as Heathrow Airport won a number of significant awards including Sunday Times top 30 employer; one of the top 10 airports in the world (voted by passengers); and edie’s Sustainable Business of the Year Award.

Three of the most significant successes of John’s tenure were the development of the plan for Heathrow expansion that secured overwhelming Parliamentary approval, successfully navigating the business through the COVID-19 crisis and the recovery in demand, and his leadership in putting aviation firmly on course for net zero by 2050.

The Chair of Heathrow Airport, 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.”

The Board has now initiated a selection process for John’s replacement. In order to ensure a smooth handover, John will remain as CEO until his successor starts in post.

John William Holland-Kaye is a British businessman, who has been at the head of 5 different companies and currently is Chief Executive Officer & Director at Heathrow Airport Ltd., Chief Executive Officer of Heathrow (SP) Ltd. and Chief Executive Officer & Director at Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd. He is also on the board of ULTra PRT Ltd., Heathrow Holdco Ltd., LHR Airports Ltd. and Bazalgette Tunnel Ltd. He previously was Chief Executive Officer of Taylor Wimpey Plc, Chief Executive Officer for Heathrow Finance Plc, Principal at Taylor Morrison, Inc. and Principal at Bass Brewers Ltd.

Heathrow Airport, called London Airport until 1966 and now known as London Heathrow, is the main international airport serving London, England.

Heathrow Airport is the largest of the six international airports in the London airport system. The airport is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings.