Charlie Cornish to stand down as MAG CEO in new succession plan
Charlie Cornish is to stand down as chief executive of Manchester Airports Group (MAG) on October 1, it was announced today (June 14).
He will become group chair on the same day, when he will also be replaced as CEO by current deputy CEO, Ken O’Toole.
The changes follow the decision by Sir Adrian Montague to retire as chair at the end of September this year.
MAG comprises Manchester Airport, East Midlands Airport, and London Stansted Airport.
Mr Cornish has led the business for the past 13 years, during which MAG has developed into the UK’s largest airports group and delivered significant growth and investment, including the acquisition of London Stansted Airport in 2013, the launch of Manchester Airport’s £1.3bn transformation programme in 2015, and the development of a digital travel services business, CAVU.
Following the acquisition of London Stansted, MAG grew passenger numbers at its three airports by 45% to a peak of 62.2 million in the year before the pandemic, with these recovering close to pre-pandemic levels in recent months.
Sir Adrian Montague said: “After helping to guide MAG for nearly a decade, especially through the pandemic, and with succession to the key roles now secured, my job is essentially done and now is the right time to hand over the chair to Charlie. I wish Ken and Charlie the best as they take forward this next chapter for the business.”
Charlie Cornish
Charlie Cornish said: “The last 13 years have been an incredible time for aviation. We’ve seen fantastic opportunities and some unprecedented challenges. Through all that, it’s been a great privilege for me to build and lead the UK’s largest airports group, working with a fantastic team of colleagues to grow the organisation and our contribution to the UK economy.”
Ken O’Toole has led the operational and commercial recovery of the group’s airport businesses, building back passenger numbers, improving customer experience and increasing colleague engagement. He joined MAG in 2012 and has held several senior executive roles at the company including chief commercial officer, chief executive of London Stansted Airport and chief executive of Manchester Airport.
He said: “This is an exciting time to be taking the reins for the next stage in MAG’s development. Having delivered a successful recovery over the last year, the outlook for our three airports and our digital business, CAVU, is really strong.
“Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands play vital roles in their regions, and our brilliant people, supportive investors and clear plans for growth – both in the UK and overseas – mean we are primed to make the most of these opportunities.”
