Heathrow names Lord Deighton as new chairman

Heathrow Airport Holdings has named Lord Paul Deighton to succeed Sir Nigel Rudd as chairman when he steps down later this year.

Making an announcement earlier this week, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said Lord Deighton's experience is tailor made for one of the busiest airports in the world.

“He understands the importance of world class national infrastructure as well as delivering outstanding service. He has exactly the skills we need to develop Heathrow as the best connected and most sustainable airport in the world.”

Holland-Kaye also thanked and paid tribute to Sir Nigel commenting, “His great stewardship as chairman over the last nine years has transformed Heathrow into one of the world's great airports."

Lord Deighton will guide Heathrow through its next phase of development and help prepare for the Government's decision on airport expansion.

In a statement, the incoming chairman Lord Deighton said: "Over the past decade, Heathrow has been transformed by £11bn of private investment into a world class airport that Britain can be proud of.

“It is Britain's front door - providing a warm welcome to visitors and connecting all parts of our island trading nation to the emerging and international markets of the world that fuel growth, create jobs and drive exports. I'm delighted to be joining a team with an ambition to give passengers the best airport service in the world and focussed on delivering the runway that will keep Britain at the heart of the global economy."