Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has promoted Ken O’Toole to the role of group chief executive, taking over from Charlie Cornish who has led the business for the last 13 years.
Currently MAG’s deputy chief executive, O’Toole (pictured) will step up to the new post on October 1 to oversee the running of the group’s three airports: Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands.
O’Toole joined MAG in 2012 and has held several senior executive roles at the company including chief commercial officer, chief executive of Stansted and chief executive of Manchester airport.
Sir Adrian Montague has also given the board notice of his intention to retire as chair at the end of September 2023. Cornish will take over the role of chair from October 1.
O’Toole said: “This is an exciting time to be taking the reins for the next stage in MAG’s development.
“Having delivered a successful recovery over the last year, the outlook for our three airports and our digital business, CAVU, is really strong.
“Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands play vital roles in their regions, and our brilliant people, supportive investors and clear plans for growth – both in the UK and overseas – mean we are primed to make the most of these opportunities.”
Sir Adrian added: “After helping to guide MAG for nearly a decade, especially through the pandemic, and with succession to the key roles now secured, my job is essentially done and now is the right time to hand over the chair to Charlie.
“The speed with which people and businesses have returned to international travel shows the bright future for aviation and for MAG in particular.”
Cornish commented: “The last 13 years have been an incredible time for aviation.
“It’s been a great privilege for me to build and lead the UK’s largest airports group.
“I look forward to supporting MAG’s continued growth as its chair over the coming years.”