Chris Woodroofe has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Manchester Airport, operators Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has announced.
His appointment follows a previous role serving as Chief Operating Officer at London Gatwick Airport from 2016 to 2020, where Chris oversaw a step-change in passenger experience and a major programme of operational improvements.
Prior to that, Chris held a number of senior roles at Gatwick, including in customer service, security and engineering. He joins MAG from Chevron Traffic Management, where he had overall responsibility for operational performance and driving growth.
Chris will start his role on 15th June, supported by Ian Costigan who will continue to oversee the airport’s operational functions after having served as interim Managing Director since Karen Smart stepped down in April.
Chris Woodroofe said:
“I’m delighted to be joining Manchester Airport as its new Managing Director, and look forward to working with the team to lead its recovery and drive the airport forward as the North’s global gateway.
“With the airport’s new Terminal 2 facilities and huge opportunities to attract new routes that enhance the North’s international connectivity, this really is an exciting time to be joining Manchester Airport.
“Having taken my first ever flight from Manchester Airport as a child, I am looking forward to relocating back to the region and can’t wait to get started.”
MAG’s Deputy Chief Executive Ken O’Toole said:
“It is great to have someone with Chris’s aviation experience joining us as MD of Manchester Airport. We want customer service to be at the heart of everything we do, and with Chris leading the recovery, we’ve got the right team in place to deliver on that commitment.”