Manchester Airports Group appoints new Group CEO

Ken O’Toole has been appointed as the next Group CEO of Manchester Airports Group (MAG), who will take over from Charlie Cornish on 1st October, who has led the airport operator for the last 13 years.

Mr O’Toole (pictured) is currently MAG’s Deputy CEO, with responsibility for the strategic development of the Group’s three UK airports: Manchester, East Midlands and London Stansted. After joining the group in 2012, he has held a number of senior executive roles including Chief Commercial Officer, Chief Executive of London Stansted Airport, and Chief Executive of Manchester Airport. Following the pandemic as Deputy CEO, he has led the recovery of the Group’s airports, restoring passenger numbers and improving customer and colleague experience.

Outgoing Group CEO, Charlie Cornish, joined MAG in that role in 2010, and under his tenure has seen the group become the UK’s largest airport operator following its 2013 acquisition of London Stansted Airport. Other highlights of the past 13 years include the launch of Manchester Airport’s £1.3 billion transformation programme in 2015 and the development of a digital travel services business, CAVU.

Mr Cornisg will remain in post until 1st October 2023, before taking on the position of Chair of MAG’s board when the Group’s current Chair, Sir Adrian Montague retires. The MAG Board would like to thank Sir Adrian for his significant contribution to the success of the Group since 2014, including guiding the organisation through the challenges associated with the pandemic over the last few years.  

Sir Adrian Montague, Chair of MAG, said:

“After helping to guide MAG for nearly a decade, especially through the pandemic, and with succession to the key roles now secured, my job is essentially done and now is the right time to hand over the Chair to Charlie. The speed with which people and businesses have returned to international travel shows the bright future for aviation and for MAG in particular. I want to thank everyone across the company for the hard work and passion they bring every single day, and to wish Ken and Charlie the best as they take forward this next chapter for the business.”  

Charlie Cornish, Group CEO of MAG, said:

“The last 13 years have been an incredible time for aviation. We’ve seen fantastic opportunities and some unprecedented challenges. Through all that, it’s been a great privilege for me to build and lead the UK’s largest airports group, working with a fantastic team of colleagues to grow the organisation and our contribution to the UK economy. I am delighted that Ken will be succeeding me as CEO, and I look forward to supporting MAG’s continued growth as its Chair over the coming years.”  

Ken O’Toole, Deputy CEO of MAG, said:

“This is an exciting time to be taking the reins for the next stage in MAG’s development. Having delivered a successful recovery over the last year, the outlook for our three airports and our digital business, CAVU, is really strong.  

“Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands play vital roles in their regions, and our brilliant people, supportive investors and clear plans for growth – both in the UK and overseas – mean we are primed to make the most of these opportunities. I’m pleased to be leading MAG through this next phase, working with our customers, communities, airlines and stakeholders to deliver a great passenger experience and sustainable growth.”