John Holland-Kaye will stand down as CEO of London Heathrow Airport during 2023 after nine years in the role.
A statement from the board said that since 2014, Holland-Kaye has built a strong management team, developed a consumer-focused culture, improved cost efficiency and placed Heathrow at the forefront of global aviation’s decarbonization efforts.
Three of the most significant successes of Holland-Kaye’s tenure were the development of the plan for Heathrow expansion, navigating the business through the Covid-19 crisis and the recovery in demand, and charting the course for net zero by 2050. Other accolades include Heathrow’s recognition as a Sunday Times top 30 employer; as one of the top 10 airports in the world (voted by passengers); and edie’s Sustainable Business of the Year Award.
Lord Deighton, chair of Heathrow Airport, 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 Holland-Kaye’s replacement. To ensure a smooth handover, he will remain as CEO until his successor starts in post.