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30/06/2023 09:15

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RNS Number : 5277E  Heathrow  30 June 2023

Leading airport boss appointed as new Heathrow CEO

 

The Board of Heathrow Airport has confirmed the appointment of Thomas Woldbye,
currently the boss of Copenhagen Airport, as the person to replace John
Holland-Kaye when he steps down later this year after nearly 10 years in
post.

 

Following an extensive recruitment process, Thomas emerged as the standout
candidate among a pool of exceptional contenders both internally and from
across the world.

 

Having served as the CEO of Copenhagen Airport since 2011, Thomas brings with
him 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.

 

During his tenure at Copenhagen Airport, Thomas put customers and colleagues
at the heart of the airport's transformation, turning it into the powerhouse
transport hub of northern Europe with an award-winning passenger service
ranking. His ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships has been a
key factor in his success. Thomas forged strong links with the Danish
Government, who are part owners of Copenhagen Airport, and fostered
partnerships with airlines to drive investment and development, including
significant recent expansions in terminal capacity at the airport.

 

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 while building up expertise in process efficiency.

 

John will remain in post keeping the airport focussed on delivering excellent
passenger service over the summer getaway until Thomas officially starts later
in the year.

 

Commenting on the appointment, Heathrow Chairman Lord Paul Deighton 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.

 

"The Board would like to pay tribute to John. He set a strong example in his
unyielding dedication to his colleagues and will leave behind a legacy of
having transformed Heathrow into a premier global hub, developed the plan for
Heathrow expansion that secured overwhelming Parliamentary approval, navigated
the business through the extremely challenging times during the Covid 19
pandemic, overcame the unprecedented challenges of the post-pandemic recovery
in demand and led the industry towards a net zero future."

 

Current Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

 

"An airport is more than just runways and terminal buildings - it's the people
who come to work every day to deliver excellent service to our passengers.
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."

 

Incoming Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:

 

"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.

 

"I have personally experienced how the excellent team at Heathrow has
successfully improved both the infrastructure and the service to passengers
over the past years to create a strong platform for further success. 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."

 

 

--Ends--

 

 

Notes to Editors:

 

About Heathrow

 

Heathrow is the UK's international gateway and the largest airport in Europe.
The airport welcomes over 200,000 passengers on roughly 1,300 flights each
day, and serves as a Britain's hub for trade, tourism and investment.
Approximately 75,000 colleagues work at Heathrow - the airport directly
employs about 10% of them, with the rest working for Team Heathrow partners
including airlines, ground handlers and retailers.

 

About Thomas Woldbye

 

Thomas Woldbye was appointed the CEO of Copenhagen Airport in May 2011. Thomas
has responsibility for the full operation of the airport and its facilities as
well as leadership of the company's retail, food & beverage, hotels, real
estate development, parking and logistics. Under Thomas's stewardship,
Copenhagen Airport has been consistently rated as one of the world's top
airports, both in terms of customer and retail experience as well as
efficiency and profitability. He has worked in partnership with the unions in
Denmark and has put customers at the front of mind through all levels of staff
at the airport.

 

Previously, he had worked for A.P. Møller-Maersk for 27 years. Thomas started
his career as a management trainee in A.P Møller-Mærsk in 1983, and over the
next 20 years, he held several management positions in Indonesia, Singapore,
China, Hong Kong, the Netherlands and Denmark. During this period, he was
primarily involved in the management of A.P. Møller-Mærsk's worldwide
container business, Maersk Line. In 2004, Thomas took over as Group CEO of
Norfolkline Group with headquarters in The Hague.

 

Thomas has an HD in Financing from Copenhagen Business School and professional
qualifications from the London Business School and the IMD in Switzerland.

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