Heathrow announces changes to
Executive team
This morning, we are announcing
several changes to Heathrow's Executive team as we move forward
with the next chapter of our strategy to be an extraordinary
airport, fit for the future.
After 15 years at Heathrow, our Chief
Operating Officer (COO), Emma Gilthorpe, has decided to leave
Heathrow and will be taking on the role as the CEO of the Royal
Mail from 1 May. Emma's last day at Heathrow will be 26 April.
Drawing on the strength of internal talent, we are delighted to
announce that Javier Echave, currently our Chief Financial Officer
(CFO) will take over from Emma and become our new COO from 26
April. Sally Ding, currently our Director of Treasury &
Corporate Finance, will be acting CFO whilst a permanent
recruitment process gets underway.
Emma's contribution to Heathrow has
been immense. In a series of Exec-level roles leading our
Regulation, Strategy, Expansion and Operation teams, Emma has
consistently delivered positive outcomes in challenging
circumstances demonstrating incisive decision-making, strategic
thinking and an engaging leadership style that has made her a
successful and leading figure across stakeholders. Emma hands over
an operation to Javier that is back to its best after the
challenges of the past few years.
Having joined Heathrow 16 years ago,
Javier was appointed CFO and a Board member in 2016. He has helped
shape the company's business plan and secured the robustness of
Heathrow's financial position while transforming our corporate
processes and building a winning Finance team with a strong
performance culture and record levels of engagement. Javier has
played a leading role in embedding sustainability in the finance
sector and has been a strong advocate for safety and
wellbeing.
Sally joined Heathrow in 2006, and
since then has built strong global financial partnerships and
delivered pioneering funding deals, including the successful launch
of our ground-breaking Sustainability Linked Bond last
year.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye
said:
"We're opening up Heathrow's next
chapter as we strive to be an extraordinary airport, fit for the
future. That brings along exciting opportunities and inevitable
change.
"Over the last 15 years, few have
played a more instrumental role in shaping Heathrow's success and
building our great culture than Emma Gilthorpe. She
will be missed by all of us at Heathrow, and I'm personally very
sad to see her leave. The Royal Mail are lucky to have
secured such an outstanding leader to take them forward. Emma
leaves behind an operation that is performing well, and Javier's
effective leadership style and deep understanding of our business
will help the Operations team continue to make every journey
better. In the meantime, Sally's capable hands will look after our
finances.
"We wish Emma all the best in her new
role outside Heathrow, and to Javier and Sally in their new roles
within our extraordinary airport."
