Schmit takes charge at Gatwick as Wingate moves to new UK Airports role

Pierre-Hugues Schmit this month takes over from Stewart Wingate as chief executive of London Gatwick. He joins the airport from his previous role as chief commercial and operational officer at VINCI Airports, covering 70 airports across the world, including Gatwick. He was also previously a non-executive director on the London Gatwick Board.

French national Schmit takes charge at a crucial time as the airport awaits a government decision on its £2.2bn privately financed northern runway plan. If approved, Gatwick says routine use of the northern runway will unlock 14,000 new jobs and an additional £1bn in economic benefits every year. A final decision is expected by 27 October.

Former chief executive, Stewart Wingate, also starts a new role as managing director of the UK Airports – newly formed by VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and covering their UK portfolio of London Gatwick, Edinburgh and Belfast International airports.

In this role, Wingate will oversee their future development and strategic direction, with the chief executives of the three airports reporting into him. He will also continue to jointly report into both VINCI and GIP in relation to London Gatwick and Edinburgh Airport.

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive, London Gatwick said, “London Gatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport and plays a vital role enabling trade, tourism and economic growth both regionally and across the country.

“This is an exciting time to join, with more airlines than ever before using the airport and a final decision from the government on our northern runway planning application just weeks away.”