Former London Luton Airport (LLA) chief executive officer Nick Barton has been appointed as the new chief executive of Birmingham Airport.
LLA announced earlier today that Barton was leaving for a new “professional challenge” and Alberto Martin was to take up the position with immediate effect. Barton will start his new role on 7 January, 2019 after more than four years at LLA.
Birmingham Airport recently announced ambitious draft Master Plan covering the next 15 years. He will be implementing, with the team, a £500 million programme to upgrade and expand the capacity of its terminal operations, aircraft stands and support facilities, substantially enhancing the customer experience.
This will support further sustainable growth from its current 13 million passengers a year to an expected 18 million passengers over the life of the plan.
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.”
Birmingham Airporrt chairman, Tim Clarke said: “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.”
