UK. Bristol Airport has appointed Charley Maher as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Dave Lees, who will step down at the end of the year after eight years in the role.
Maher is currently Group Chief Executive Officer of South Staffordshire Group, a regulated water and infrastructure services company.
She will join Bristol Airport over the coming months as the gateway prepares for its next phase of expansion.
Her appointment comes as Bristol Airport pursues plans to increase annual passenger capacity from 12 million to 15 million and strengthen direct international connectivity from Southwest England.
Maher has held senior leadership positions across the travel, financial services and utilities sectors, including roles with NatWest and Wessex Water/YTL Group.
Her experience also encompasses major infrastructure investment programmes and engagement with regulators, customers, industry partners and local communities.
Bristol Airport Chairman Jason Holt said, “We are delighted to welcome Charley to Bristol Airport, which followed an extensive and highly competitive selection process.
“Charley brings extensive experience of delivering long-term infrastructure investment, successful customer delivery, and the balancing of commercial performance with environmental and social responsibilities.”
Maher said, “I am excited to be joining Bristol Airport at such an important and ambitious stage in its journey.
“Having grown up, lived and worked in North Somerset and Bristol for many years, it is a real privilege to be appointed to such a key role that sits at the heart of the region I call home.” ✈
