Stewart Wingate will succeed Baroness Margaret Ford as chair of the board of London Gatwick on October 1, 2026, following the baroness’s retirement, the airport announced.
Baroness Ford has served as chair since November 2023. Wingate was appointed managing director of UK Airports for Vinci Airports and GIP in September 2025, following a 15-year tenure as chief executive of London Gatwick. He is a member of the London Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport and Belfast International Airport boards.
Wingate said, “This is an exciting time for London Gatwick. I am delighted to be taking on this new role as the focus moves from planning to detailed design work and delivery on the Northern Runway program, which forms a key part of the airport’s ambitious plans to unlock additional capacity, jobs and even greater economic benefits for the region. At the same time, the sector faces a number of significant geo-political and economic pressures that are impacting passenger numbers and significantly increasing costs. I am also looking forward to working closely with the board on plans to address some of the most critical issues, building on Baroness Ford’s legacy of strong and successful engagement with key national and local stakeholders.”
Baroness Fordsaid, “It has been a pleasure to have partnered with shareholders and the London Gatwick management team through such a pivotal phase in the airport’s history. The airport’s vision ‘to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey’ is at the heart of the operation, and I am incredibly proud of what the teams have achieved to deliver an efficient, welcoming and accessible experience for passengers. It’s also been fantastic to see the Northern Runway program given the green light following a very rigorous planning and legal process.”
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of Vinci Concessions and president of Vinci Airports, and Michael McGhee, deputy chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners, said Baroness Ford’s experience in business, infrastructure and highly regulated sectors had been “extremely beneficial to the board,” and that Wingate’s knowledge of the airport and wider operating environment left him “well placed” to help deliver the airport’s long-term growth plans.
In related news, London Gatwick launches largest ever food and beverage tender
