Heathrow Announces Executive Team Overhaul as It Gears Up for Future Challenges

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

This morning, we’re excited to share updates about significant shifts within the executive team at Heathrow as we embark on the latest phase of our strategy towards becoming an exceptional airport, ready for what lies ahead.

Emma Gilthorpe, who has been a pivotal part of Heathrow for 15 years serving as our Chief Operating Officer (COO), will be departing to take on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position at the Royal Mail starting from May 1. Emma’s tenure at Heathrow will conclude on April 26. Leveraging our internal pool of talent, we’re thrilled to reveal that Javier Echave, presently our Chief Financial Officer (CFO), will succeed Emma as the new COO starting April 26. In the interim, Sally Ding, who is our current Director of Treasury & Corporate Finance, will step in as acting CFO as we initiate the search for a permanent successor.

Emma’s impact on Heathrow has been profound. She has led our Regulation, Strategy, Expansion, and Operations teams in an executive capacity, navigating complex challenges with sharp decision-making, strategic foresight, and an engaging leadership approach. Her contributions have solidified her reputation among stakeholders and she leaves the operations for Javier in top form, overcoming recent adversities.

Javier joined Heathrow 16 years ago and was elevated to CFO and Board member in 2016. His tenure has been marked by pivotal contributions to the company’s business strategy, fortifying Heathrow’s financial stability, overhauling corporate procedures, and cultivating a high-performing Finance team celebrated for its strong engagement and performance culture. Javier has been instrumental in promoting sustainability within the finance sector and has been a fervent supporter of safety and wellbeing initiatives.

Sally has been with Heathrow since 2006, establishing vital international financial relationships and securing innovative financing arrangements. This includes the launch of our innovative Sustainability Linked Bond last year, a testament to her pioneering efforts in finance.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:

“We’re opening up Heathrow’s next chapter as we strive to be an extraordinary airport, fit for the future. That brings along exciting opportunities and inevitable change.

“Over the last 15 years, few have played a more instrumental role in shaping Heathrow’s success and building our great culture than Emma Gilthorpe. She will be missed by all of us at Heathrow, and I’m personally very sad to see her leave. The Royal Mail are lucky to have secured such an outstanding leader to take them forward. Emma leaves behind an operation that is performing well, and Javier’s effective leadership style and deep understanding of our business will help the Operations team continue to make every journey better. In the meantime, Sally’s capable hands will look after our finances.

“We wish Emma all the best in her new role outside Heathrow, and to Javier and Sally in their new roles within our extraordinary airport.”

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