Former Cardiff airport managing director Jon Horne is returning as chief executive.
His appointment follows the purchase of the airport by the Welsh government last week.
Horne was the airport’s boss from 2001 to 2007 and has previously held senior positions at London City airport and Sheffield City airport. He returns to Cardiff airport from being a partner in Airport Investment and Enterprise.
Horne said: “I am delighted at being given the opportunity to take charge of Cardiff airport once again at this very exciting time and I will do everything I possibly can to deliver an airport of which the people of Wales can once again be rightfully proud.
“I recognise the task will not be an easy one, nor will it happen overnight, but I will not spare any effort in addressing the challenges ahead.
“Some plans are already in place and others will be developed over the coming weeks and months, but we shall also be listening to what people want from their airport, what businesses want and understanding how this can be most successfully delivered.”
He added: “The potential clearly still exists for Cardiff airport to play a leading role in the future economic success of Wales and also to deliver the air services and destinations that will attract back those passengers who currently have to fly from airports outside Wales.”
Airport chairman Lord Rowe-Beddoe, welcoming Horne, said: “His wide experience of the airport industry and his specific experience of running Cardiff Airport during a very successful period will be vital in the task of turning around the fortunes of Wales’ national airport by developing more airline services and destinations for the people of Wales.”