Airport chief quits in shock announcement

Paul Kehoe

The chief executive of Birmingham Airport is to quit his post.

In a shock announcement Paul Kehoe – one of the region’s most high profile business figures – said he would be stepping  down from his role effective from July 12.

Mr Kehoe has been instrumental in transforming the fortunes of the airport since joining the business in October 2008, helping grow passenger numbers to 12 million in the year to March 2017.

His decision to step down is thought to have been prompted by an increasing workload due his wider roles within the region.

In addition to helming the airport, Mr Kehoe has been gradually taking on a more expansive role within various regional bodies.

These include chairing inward investment body, Marketing Birmingham, being president of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, and in a new capacity, chairman of the West Midlands Growth Company – the successor to Marketing Birmingham.

With the recently formed West Midlands Combined Authority and the appointment of a West Midlands Mayor, by stepping down from his responsibilities at the airport, he will be able to have a clear focus on his regional commitments.

In a statement announcing his departure, Mr Kehoe said: “It has been a privilege to serve the people of the West Midlands by leading their airport at this exceptional time.

“I planned originally to stay only for five years, but the challenge became so exciting that I stayed for another four.  In every role there is a natural business cycle, and after delivering significant airline and passenger growth, completing all the major development projects which resulted in a doubling of the profit, generating significant dividends for shareholders and the region, I feel it is time for the next generation to take the business forward.”

 

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