Airport turns to ex-Luton boss to be its new chief
BIRMINGHAM Airport has appointed a new chief executive 18 months after the departure of its long-serving previous incumbent.
Nick Barton will join the airport in January, having spent the past four years in the same role at London Luton Airport.
His predecessor, Paul Kehoe, announced in June 2017 that he was stepping down from the post after nine years, with chief finance office Simon Richards standing in as acting managing director over the past year.
Mr Barton is an aviation industry veteran and his previous roles include eight years in the senior management team at London Stansted, latterly as managing director, and previous executive positions at what was BAA.
He has almost 30 years of experience of managing and leading infrastructure and property operations.
Mr Barton said: “I am thrilled to be joining Birmingham Airport to deliver the board’s vision and strategy for this critical piece of national and regionally significant transport infrastructure. Birmingham Airport is on the threshold of a very exciting chapter in its development and I am delighted to have been given the responsibility to lead and shape the future of the airport.”
Last month the airport announced it was embarking on a 15-year £500 million masterplan to revamp the transport hub which will include a larger departure lounge with new shops and restaurants and a revamped check-in area aimed at improving efficiency. The long-term aim of the airport is to expand annual passengers numbers to 18 million by 2033 – a rise of five million based on its 2017 figures.
Birmingham Airport chairman Tim Clarke added: “We have carried out an extensive search of the aviation sector for a new chief executive.
“The board is delighted to have secured such a proven and experienced individual to execute our ambitious vision for the development of the airport.
“Nick’s record in generating strong growth brings the quality of leadership needed to fully realise the potential of this vital asset for the West Midlands economy and the region as a whole.
“I would also like to thank Simon Richards and the executive team for the excellent progress that has been made in developing the draft masterplan for the airport’s expansion and for achieving strong improvements in customer service and operational effectiveness.”