Former Head of Commercial Planning at Heathrow Airport, Chris Crauford, has been appointed to Heathrow Express’ senior leadership team as Head of Commercial.
Chris Crauford replaces Kylie Andrews, (who moves to Heathrow Airport’s digital team), and takes up the position after the future of the Heathrow Express service was confirmed until at least 2028.
Crauford will head up the teams responsible for Heathrow Express’ digital platforms; marketing and communications functions; and sales team, as well as the B2B sales and distribution team which manages relationships with commercial partners.
As Head of Commercial, Crauford will ensure the new Heathrow Express fleet being introduced by December 2019 will continue to provide a great proposition for Heathrow passengers and that the fast and frequent service is the automatic choice for travel between Heathrow and central London.
Crauford will also be working closely with the Heathrow Express pricing team which is to welcome more passengers on board by offering great value fares during off peak hours.
Chris Crauford said: “I am joining Heathrow Express at an important moment in its history, and a very exciting time in its progression. In the short term, the launch of a new website, app and new ticketing system will be key to cementing relationships with important partners including those in the aviation, corporate travel and online booking sectors and I am very much looking forward to the opportunities this presents.”
Crauford is one of a number of ex-army personnel who has joined the railway industry in recent years and spent six years in the Royal Engineers, completing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before he joined Heathrow Airport eight years ago.
His career at Heathrow began as Infrastructure Security Project Manager overseeing the introduction of body scanners from where he progressed to Product Development Manager, working on the airport’s premium services.
He then moved to retail, where he became a Senior Commercial Manager for media and advertising. In September 2016 he became Head of Commercial Planning responsible for the airport’s regulatory submission and business plan.
