Birmingham Airport names new chief executive
Birmingham Airport has appointed Nick Barton as chief executive.
Barton, who was most recently chief executive of London Luton Airport, will take up the post on January 7
The appointment comes as the airport revealed its ambitious draft master plan covering the next 15 years.
Barton will be implementing a £500m programme to upgrade and expand the capacity of its terminal operations, aircraft stands and support facilities.
This will support further growth from its current 13 million passengers a year to an expected 18 million passengers over the life of the plan.
In addition to his four years at Luton, Barton was part of the senior management team at London Stansted for eight years, latterly as managing director, as well as holding previous executive roles at BAA. In his career he has 27 years’ experience of managing and leading infrastructure and property operations.
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.”
Tim Clarke, chairman of Birmingham Airport, 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. His 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, chief financial officer, who has acted as managing director over the last year, and the executive team, for the excellent progress that has been made in developing the draft master plan for the airport’s expansion and for achieving strong improvements in customer service and operational effectiveness.”
