Heathrow operations chief leaving to head Royal Mail

Heathrow chief operating officer Emma Gilthorpe is leaving after 15 years to become chief executive of Royal Mail.

Chief financial officer Javier Echave will become the new operations chief after Gilthorpe’s departure on April 26.

Treasury & corporate finance director Sally Ding becomes acting CFO while the airport recruits for a permanent replacement.

Heathrow chief executive 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.”