CEO swap for Stansted and Manchester airports

Andrew Cowan has taken over as chief executive of Manchester Airport, replacing Ken O’Toole who has moved into Cowan’s previous role as chief of London Stansted.

Collette Roche, who was interim managing director for Manchester, has now become chief of staff for Manchester Airports Group, giving her responsibility for shaping strategy, and leading some of the key corporate functions.

For Cowan, it will be his second spell as the head of the UK’s third busiest airport. He was group chief operating officer and Manchester Airport MD between 2013 and 2015.

In 2015 he spent a year as chief strategy officer for the group, including chairing the newly established MAG USA business. Prior to MAG, Cowan was chief executive of Robertson Group, and a director at United Utilities.

He will oversee the start of construction on the £1bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme, which aims to provide Manchester with a world-class terminal facility to allow it to make use of its two full-length runways.

Cowan said: “After a successful spell at London Stansted where I have overseen massive growth and the launch of its transformation programme, I am looking forward to returning to Manchester Airport, which is about to embark on one of its biggest developments in its eight-decade history.

“With unrivalled growth and the continued addition of key long haul destinations, Manchester Airport is UK’s global gateway in the North and now is an exciting time to be part of that journey.”

Manchester Airports Group owns and operates both Manchester and Stansted, as well as East Midlands and Bournemouth airport.

The changes will come into effect in September.

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Chief of Staff. only at MAG

By blimey

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