Stewart Wingate to succeed Baroness Margaret Ford as chair of London Gatwick

Stewart Wingate is to become chair of London Gatwick, succeeding Baroness Margaret Ford who is retiring from the role after nearly three years.

image: London Gatwick

Wingate previously served as Gatwick's chief executive for 15 years. He became Managing Director, UK Airports for VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) in September 2025, following his departure as Gatwick CEO. In this role, Wingate oversees the UK airport interests of the two Gatwick shareholders and sits on the boards of London Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport and Belfast International Airport. Gatwick said he would continue in this role alongside the chairmanship.

The change comes as Gatwick moves into the next stage of its Northern Runway project. The airport received government approval for the scheme in September 2025, while the Court of Appeal rejected the remaining legal challenge in August 2026, bringing the planning and legal process to an end.

Gatwick's plans include infrastructure and surface-access improvements associated with the Northern Runway, with the airport estimating that the project could eventually allow it to serve up to 80m passengers a year. The privately financed development is part of a wider £1.9bn capital investment programme.

Wingate held senior positions at Glasgow Airport, Budapest Airport and Stansted Airport before becoming Gatwick's chief executive.