‘Executive moves from CFO to COO at Heathrow’

Heathrow Airport in London is set to see a leadership shakeup as CFO Javier Echave transitions to the role of chief operating officer. This move comes as the current COO, Emma Gilthorpe, departs to take the helm at Royal Mail.

Echave’s tenure as CFO ends on a high note, with Heathrow recently announcing a record 18.5 million passengers during the first quarter of the year. This achievement reflects the airport’s commitment to providing a consistent and reliable service to passengers, as stated by Echave in a press release. With a strong financial position and clear trajectory for growth, Echave leaves behind a legacy of financial stability during his eight-year tenure as CFO.

Heathrow’s financial success under Echave’s leadership is evident in its recent return to profitability. The company reported an annual adjusted pretax profit of £38 million in 2023, marking a significant turnaround from the £684 million loss in 2022.

Having spent 16 years at Heathrow, Echave’s contributions to the company extend beyond his role as CFO. His background in finance and strategic planning have been instrumental in shaping Heathrow’s business plan and ensuring its financial resilience. As he takes on the role of COO, Heathrow praises Echave for his role in transforming corporate processes, fostering a high-performance culture, and enhancing employee engagement levels within the Finance team.