Former Stansted managing director Nick Barton is to head rival Luton airport as chief executive.
Barton, who worked for eight years at Stansted in a variety of executive roles, joins Luton at the end of the year from a London-based property asset management company.
Current executive chairman Clive Condie will then revert to his previous role as chairman of the board of directors at the airport.
Barton will take on the role of chief executive as Luton airport embarks on a £100 million transformation plan to increase annual passenger numbers from 10 million to 18 million by 2026.
The planned transformation of London Luton will see investment in both remodelling the existing terminal building and improving transport access.
The appointment follows a record August, with Luton outperforming all other UK airports in delivering an 11.8% increase in passenger numbers over the same month last year.
Current growth is being driven by new routes and carriers and a new ten-year deal with easyJet announced in March.
Barton, said: “The aviation sector has long known about the huge potential at London Luton, with a convenient location, strong demand from passengers and great transport links to London and beyond.
“The investment and development plans already in place will enable us to deliver on this potential. I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to lead the team as we create the convenient, friendly modern airport that passengers want at London Luton.”
Condie added: “The team at London Luton airport has a fantastic vision to develop a modern, friendly and efficient airport.
“In Nick we have found the ideal individual to deliver that vision. With a huge breadth of experience across the public and private sectors, we are delighted to be appointing such a high calibre candidate to lead the transformation.”