Newcastle airport aviation development director Chris Sanders is moving to Leeds Bradford airport in the same role.
Sanders links up with airport CEO David Laws, who was previously chief executive at Newcastle airport.
He replaces Tony Hallwood, who stepped down in June after nine years at the Yorkshire airport.
Sanders began his career at British Airways working in its network planning, revenue management and information management departments.
He then worked in the UK rail industry for long distance operator InterCity before becoming commercial manager for GNER.
Sanders said: “I am delighted to join the team at LBA as the airport continues to celebrate record passenger numbers. This is down to the dedication shown by the staff working here.
“Of course there is room for improvement, but that is the exciting phase this business is embarking upon under the leadership of recently appointed CEO David Laws.
“Having spent a number of years previously living and working in Yorkshire, I am aware of how important the airport should be to the people and businesses of the region.
“I look forward to making sure that we continue to improve for business and leisure communities in and around Yorkshire The more this airport is used then the easier it becomes to grow existing routes and attract new services which will help increase this region’s connectivity.
“I want LBA to be an airport we can all be proud of for its contribution to the regional economy.”
The airport serves more than 70 destinations in 25 countries and has grown passenger numbers by 6% over the last 12 months to 3.7 million.
Laws said: “I have worked with Chris for a number of years and know he shares my passion for aviation development.
We now have the widest choice of flights available from LBA and our aim is to ensure we offer the very best choice of destinations for both business and leisure passengers.”