Maes joins London Gatwick from BT Group, where she served as HR Director, Portfolio Business, Transformation and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). She brings extensive experience in large-scale M&A, transformation, talent and culture programmes across a number of sectors.

Maes replaces Simon Baker, who has served as Interim HR Director for the past year. Baker has been appointed Chief Human Resources Officer for Edinburgh Airport, another member of the VINCI and GIP Airports network, effective 1 October.

Maes holds a Master’s degree in Literature from the University of Antwerp, Belgium, and has spent the past 12 years at BT in its international customer-facing business. During her time with the company, she has held a variety of global roles, most recently leading the delivery of BT’s mergers and acquisitions roadmap.

Having lived and worked in Belgium, Switzerland and the UK, Maes brings extensive international experience and a strong track record of leading change and transformation.

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive of London Gatwick, said: “Our vision – to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey – means delivering an enjoyable, accessible and efficient passenger experience and making our airport a great place to work. Our people are what sets us apart and we are delighted to welcome Kathleen and the experience that she brings at such an important phase in our journey following the recent legal decision on our Northern Runway project.”

Kathleen Maes, Chief Human Resources Officer at London Gatwick, said: It’s an exciting time to join London Gatwick as we look forward to realising the benefits of the Northern Runway and embrace innovation and technology to keep improving the passenger and employee experience. Our vision is at the heart of everything that we do and my focus will be on ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and proud to work here.”