Bristol Airport has appointed Charley Maher as the airport’s new Chief Executive Officer.
Maher will replace Dave Lees who will be stepping down at the end of the year. “It has been the highlight of my career to lead an amazing, talented, and committed team which continues to deliver responsible growth connecting our region to an increasing number of destinations,” Lees said.
“Together we have delivered significant improvements for our customers, airlines and the community which we are proud to serve, including our industry leading position on our pathway to deliver net zero airport operations by 2030.”
Maher has worked across travel, financial services and utilities sectors, having held senior leadership roles with NatWest and Wessex Water/YTL Group before joining South Staffordshire as Group Chief Executive Officer in 2023. Her experience spans customer and people focused, highly regulated sectors, where she has led large operational businesses, overseen significant investment programmes and worked closely with regulators, industry partners, customers, and wider community stakeholders.
Jason Holt, Chairman of Bristol Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome Charley to Bristol Airport, which followed an extensive and highly competitive selection process. Charley brings extensive experience of delivering long-term infrastructure investment, successful customer delivery, and the balancing of commercial performance with environmental and social responsibilities.
“I and the Board would like to thank Dave for his excellent leadership transforming the airport to the success it is today and wish him all the best in his retirement. As the baton passes from Dave to Charley the airport is now destined to build on Dave’s work. This legacy includes the airport now employing more than 5,800 local people and supporting thousands of more jobs through the wider supply chain. Through the airport’s growth plans, there’s opportunity to create an additional 1,000 new jobs, with increasing long-haul connectivity to global markets.”
