This morning, we are announcing several changes to Heathrow’s Executive team as we move forward with the next chapter of our strategy to be an extraordinary airport, fit for the future.
Javier Echave (current CFO, to be COO) & Emma Gilthorpe (current COO)
After 15 years at Heathrow, our Chief Operating Officer (COO), Emma Gilthorpe, has decided to leave Heathrow and will be taking on the role as the CEO of the Royal Mail from 1 May. Emma’s last day at Heathrow will be 26 April. Drawing on the strength of internal talent, we are delighted to announce that Javier Echave, currently our Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will take over from Emma and become our new COO from 26 April. Sally Ding, currently our Director of Treasury & Corporate Finance, will be acting CFO whilst a permanent recruitment process gets underway.
Emma’s contribution to Heathrow has been immense. In a series of Exec-level roles leading our Regulation, Strategy, Expansion and Operation teams, Emma has consistently delivered positive outcomes in challenging circumstances demonstrating incisive decision-making, strategic thinking and an engaging leadership style that has made her a successful and leading figure across stakeholders. Emma hands over an operation to Javier that is back to its best after the challenges of the past few years.
Having joined Heathrow 16 years ago, Javier was appointed CFO and a Board member in 2016. He has helped shape the company’s business plan and secured the robustness of Heathrow’s financial position while transforming our corporate processes and building a winning Finance team with a strong performance culture and record levels of engagement. Javier has played a leading role in embedding sustainability in the finance sector and has been a strong advocate for safety and wellbeing.
Sally joined Heathrow in 2006, and since then has built strong global financial partnerships and delivered pioneering funding deals, including the successful launch of our ground-breaking Sustainability Linked Bond last year.
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.”
