Head of Copenhagen Airport to take over at Heathrow

Heathrow Airport has named the current head of Copenhagen Airport as its next chief executive, it was confirmed on Friday.

Thomas Woldbye will replace the west London airport’s current chief executive, John Holland-Kaye, who is stepping down after nearly a decade in the role.

Woldbye spent 27 years at Danish logistics giant Moller-Maersk before taking up the top job at Copenhagen airport in 2011. Heathrow called him the “standout candidate”.

Chair Paul Deighton said: “Leading Britain’s hub airport is one of the most important jobs in global aviation.

“Thomas’s achievements at Copenhagen not only mirror Heathrow’s long-term strategy, but his track record in successfully running a major airport and working closely with stakeholders to secure consensus.”

Woldbye said: “My ambition will be to make the airport even better for passengers, for airlines, the community and every part of the UK.”

Heathrow, which was hit hard by Covid-19, has seen demand surge post-pandemic. But it has also faced a number of challenges, including lengthy queues, cancelled flights and industrial action. It also angered airlines by pushing to raise landing charges.

It also remains committed to building a controversial third runway.

Copenhagen Airport was also hit by a series of strikes earlier this year.

Heathrow said Holland-Kaye, who announced in February that he planned to quit the business, will remain in place during the peak summer period before handing over to Woldbye “later in the year”.