London Gatwick has today announced that Stewart Wingate will succeed Baroness Margaret Ford as chair of the board on 1 October 2026 following her retirement. Baroness Ford has been chair since November 2023. Stewart was appointed Managing Director, UK Airports for VINCI Airports and GIP in September 2025 following a 15-year tenure as Chief Executive of London Gatwick and is a member of the London Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport and Belfast International Airport boards.
Stewart Wingate, Managing Director, UK Airports said: “This is an exciting time for London Gatwick. I am delighted to be taking on this new role as the focus moves from planning to detailed design work and delivery on the Northern Runway programme, which forms a key part of the airport’s ambitious plans to unlock additional capacity, jobs and even greater economic benefits for the region. At the same time, the sector faces a number of significant geo-political and economic pressures which are impacting passenger numbers and significantly increasing costs. I am also looking forward to working closely with the board on plans to address some of the most critical issues, building on Baroness Ford’s legacy of strong and successful engagement with key national and local stakeholders.”
Baroness Ford, outgoing chair, London Gatwick said: “It has been a pleasure to have partnered with shareholders and the London Gatwick management team through such a pivotal phase in the airport’s history. The airport’s vision “to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey” is at the heart of the operation, and I am incredibly proud of what the teams have achieved to deliver an efficient, welcoming and accessible experience for passengers. It’s also been fantastic to see the Northern Runway programme given the green light following a very rigorous planning and legal process.”
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO, VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports and Michael McGhee, Deputy Chairman, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) said: “Baroness Ford’s experience in business, infrastructure, and highly regulated sectors has been extremely beneficial to the board. We are grateful for her outstanding contribution, particularly during the final approval stages of the Northern Runway programme, and for the important relationships she has fostered over the past three years. We are also very pleased that Stewart has agreed to chair the board at London Gatwick. Thanks to Stewart’s in-depth knowledge of the airport and the broader UK and Global operating environment, he is well-placed to help us deliver on the significant long-term growth and commercial opportunities that lie ahead.”
