Birmingham Airport has announced that Paul Kehoe has decided to step down as Chief Executive effective from 12 July 2017.
Paul has led a substantial transformation at Birmingham Airport since he joined the business in October 2008, with passenger numbers growing from 9.5m to 12m in the year to March 2017.
More recently, Paul has been increasingly involved in successfully promoting the West Midlands Region as Chairman of Marketing Birmingham, President of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, and in a new capacity as Chairman of the West Midlands Growth Company. With the recently formed Combined Authority and the appointment of a West Midlands Mayor, by stepping down from the Airport, Paul will be able to focus on his regional commitments.
Since his appointment, Paul’s key achievements include:
· Appointing and leading a strong and experienced management team to continue to develop the Airport.
· Expansion of the route network and the number of airlines operating at Birmingham including daily services to Delhi with Air India, A380 services to Dubai with Emirates, and the introduction of 18 new airlines including Qatar Airways, Jet2 and the return of British Airways.
· Key developments which have significantly improved the Airport include a new International Pier, extension of the runway to facilitate new long haul services, creation of a single Terminal and centralised security area, construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower and the establishment of a major engineering facility within the Monarch Airlines Engineering Hangar, the in-sourcing of Air Traffic Control and the Airport Fire Service, a complete overhaul and introduction of new retail brands including Marks & Spencer, Next, Superdry, All Bar One, Hugo Boss and operating the most successful Airport Wetherspoons in the country.
· In addition, under Paul’s leadership the Airport has been awarded
o World’s Most Punctual Airport in 2016
o Star Airport of the Year Award 2014, 2015 and 2016
o 2017 Routes Europe Award for Marketing for 4-20m passengers Airport
John Hudson, Chairman of Birmingham Airport, said “On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our grateful thanks to Paul for the tremendous contribution he has made to Birmingham Airport during the last nine years. Under his leadership, the Airport has built relationships with new carriers, grown passenger numbers to more than 12m, and delivered significant economic value to the region. His connections with the local community set Paul apart as a true industry leader. He leaves with our strong support and the highest admiration for his commitment to Birmingham Airport and the West Midlands.”
Paul Kehoe said: “It has been a privilege to serve the people of the West Midlands by leading their Airport at this exceptional time. I planned originally to stay only for five years, but the challenge became so exciting that I stayed for another four. In every role there is a natural business cycle, and after delivering significant airline and passenger growth, completing all the major development projects which resulted in a doubling of the profit, generating significant dividends for shareholders and the region, I feel it is time for the next generation to take the business forward.”
