The former CCO of Newcastle International Airport is to take the helm at Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA).
John Irving has been credited with driving record passenger and airline growth during his two-and-a-half-year stint at Newcastle and will take over as CEO at Liverpool on 12 March 2018.
Bringing a wealth of business experience from different sectors, Irving is a qualified management accountant and prior to moving into the airport sector he held senior commercial and financial positions at Newcastle United Football Club as well as Procter and Gamble – the consumer goods company.
Commenting on his new appointment, Irving said: “I am very excited at being given the opportunity to take this business forward at a time when the Peel Group’s continued investment in the airport has seen Liverpool become one of the UK’s stand-out regional airports.”
Having handled almost 5 million passengers last year, passenger numbers at LJLA grew by almost 3% in 2017 compared to 2016 generating the airport’s highest annual passenger figures since 2011.
The airport has also garnered a well-earned reputation for its relaxed, hassle-free environment and best-in-class operational performance and Irving also stated that he is looking forward to building on the airport’s recent success by continuing to make Liverpool the “faster, easier, friendlier airport of choice for passengers from across the region.”
The airport’s chairman, Robert Hough expressed his delight at the new appointment saying “John has helped Newcastle Airport make significant progress in his time there and we are therefore delighted to welcome him in his new role here at Liverpool, bringing drive and determination to take the airport to the next level and realise its tremendous potential.
“John will also be a great asset for the city region too, developing the airport’s strategic importance through improved connectivity, helping to attract further inward investment and bringing continued benefits for the region’s visitor economy.”
