Heathrow Airport Board has announced that current CEO, John Holland-Kaye, is to be replaced by Thomas Woldbye. Woldbye is the current CEO of Copenhagen Airport and will assume his new role later on this year when Holland-Kaye steps down.
Having served as the CEO of Copenhagen Airport since 2011, Woldbye 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 £11 billion private investment programme by Heathrow's shareholders that has transformed the UK's hub into the modern, top-rated airport it is today.
Woldbye has previously 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, heading 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.
Holland-Kaye will remain in post keeping the airport focussed on delivering excellent passenger service over the summer getaway until Woldbye 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.”
