Manchester Airport boss quits after weeks of travel chaos
The airport says an interim managing director will focus on recruitment to improve capacity
After weeks of travel chaos, the Managing Director of Manchester Airport has stood down.
In a statement, MAG (Manchester Airports Group) says it can confirm that Manchester Airport managing director Karen Smart has decided to leave the business after eight years.
Ian Costigan will take on the role of Interim Managing Director and will be responsible for delivering the programmes of recruitment needed to increase operational capacity over the summer. Since joining MAG in 2013, Ian has held a number of senior positions in the business, including his most recent position of Group Transformation Director.
Ian will work closely in this role with Ken O’Toole, MAG’s Deputy CEO, who has overall responsibility for the strategic leadership, development and operation of the Group’s airports. Ken’s focus in the short term will be on driving the recovery of our airports.
MAG CEO Charlie Cornish said:
“Over the last two years, Karen has guided Manchester Airport through the most challenging period of its 84-year history, having made a major contribution to MAG throughout her time with the business.
“I am sorry to lose Karen after her years of valuable service, but also understand her desire to return to the South for family reasons and indeed to explore new career opportunities.
“While there are sure to be further challenges ahead, I am confident we will soon start to see the benefits of the recovery plans Karen has helped put in place and look forward to working with Ian and his leadership team to drive them forward.”
Andy Burnham met with airport bosses and unions earlier to discuss the situation, with Greater Manchester's Mayor saying police and fire service staff could be drafted in to help.