The Chamberlain News

Birmingham Airport boss to step down

In yet another shock development today, Paul Kehoe has decided to step down as Chief Executive at Birmingham Airport with effect from 12 July 2017.

The Airport says that he has led a substantial transformation since he joined the business in October 2008, with passenger numbers growing from 9.5M to 12M in the year to March 2017.

Birmingham Airport says that Paul has been increasingly involved in successfully promoting the West Midlands Region as Chairman of Marketing Birmingham, President of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, and in a new capacity as Chairman of the West Midlands Growth Company.

It goes on to say that, with the recently formed Combined Authority and the appointment of a West Midlands Mayor, by stepping down from the Airport….

Paul will be able to focus on his regional commitments.

That seems to indicate that Mr Kehoe is not moving to another airport job, but will spend more time on his Chamber and Growth Company responsibilities. It is not clear if any expanded role would be salaried.

The will be speculation that Mr Kehoe’s ambitious plans for airport development have not won backing from the Airport’s owners and Board.

Mr Kehoe has overseen the expansion of the route network and the number of airlines operating at Birmingham including daily services to Delhi with Air India, A380 services to Dubai with Emirates, and the introduction of 18 new airlines including Qatar Airways, Jet2 and the return of British Airways.

Key developments which have significantly improved the Airport include a new International Pier, extension of the runway to facilitate new long haul services, creation of a single Terminal and centralised security area, construction of a new Air Traffic Control Tower.

John Hudson, Chairman of Birmingham Airport, said:

On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our grateful thanks to Paul for the tremendous contribution he has made to Birmingham Airport during the last nine years.  Under his leadership, the Airport has built relationships with new carriers, grown passenger numbers to more than 12M, and delivered significant economic value to the region.

His connections with the local community set Paul apart as a true industry leader.  He leaves with our strong support and the highest admiration for his commitment to Birmingham Airport and the West Midlands.

Paul Kehoe said:

It has been a privilege to serve the people of the West Midlands by leading their Airport at this exceptional time.  I planned originally to stay only for five years, but the challenge became so exciting that I stayed for another four.

In every role there is a natural business cycle, and after delivering significant airline and passenger growth, completing all the major development projects which resulted in a doubling of the profit, generating significant dividends for shareholders and the region, I feel it is time for the next generation to take the business forward.