Thomas Woldbye, the current boss at Copenhagen Airport is appointed as the Chief Executive of Heathrow Airport. Woldbye will replace John Holland-Kaye as he plans to step down from his post later this year following a decade-old stint.
Commenting on the appointment, Lord Paul Deighton, Chairman, Heathrow said: “After an extensive and rigorous review of candidates, the Heathrow Board is delighted to appoint Thomas Woldbye as the next Heathrow CEO. Leading Britain’s hub airport is one of the most important jobs in global aviation and the vacancy attracted the best calibre talent from across the world. Thomas’s achievements at Copenhagen not only mirror Heathrow’s long-term strategy, but his track record in successfully running a major airport and working closely with stakeholders to secure consensus and deliver positive results stood out in the selection process.
Woldbye has served as the Chief Executive of Copenhagen Airport since 2011. Prior to his role at Copenhagen Airport, he spent 27 years at Møller-Mærsk, leading the global shipping and ferry divisions, working in several different countries around the world and delivering significant success in complex operating environments.
John Holland-Kaye, Current Chief Executive, Heathrow said: “It’s been the privilege of my lifetime to lead our fantastic team. I’ve worked with Thomas over recent years and am a great admirer of his leadership on diversity and sustainability and his championing of the needs of passengers. I’m confident that the Heathrow team will be the cornerstone of his success in delivering the best airport service in the world.”
Heathrow board claims that Woldbye has a wealth of experience and a proven track record as a CEO of a major airport championing passenger service, sustainability and growth. His experience means that he is ideally placed to oversee the airport’s future strategy following an £11bn private investment programme by Heathrow’s shareholders that has transformed the UK’s hub into the modern, top-rated airport it is today.
“I am naturally excited and proud, as well as humbled, to have been chosen to lead what is arguably the most famous airport in the world on its future journey,” commented Thomas Woldbye, Incoming Chief Executive, Heathrow. “Heathrow is an important engine for the British economy and inextricably linked to the success of London and the wider UK. I look forward to being part of charting the path for this iconic company. My ambition will be to make the airport even better for passengers, for airlines, the community and every part of the UK.”
Holland-Kaye will continue to remain the post till a smooth transition towards the start of 2024.