A seasoned telecoms chief poised to steer Heathrow’s £50bn growth
Philip Jansen, the former CEO of BT Group, is in advanced discussions to become the next chairman of Heathrow Airport. Sky News reports that Jansen has emerged as the preferred candidate in talks with Heathrow’s board and major shareholders. An official announcement could come within weeks if the discussions reach a successful conclusion.
Why Jansen stands out
Several factors make Jansen an attractive choice for the role:
- Leadership track record: As CEO of BT Group until early 2024, Jansen managed one of the UK’s largest telecoms businesses during a period of rapid technological change.
- Governance experience: Since September 2024, he has chaired WPP, the FTSE 100 marketing services giant, sharpening his skills in overseeing complex, global organisations.
- Stakeholder relations: Jansen’s ability to navigate regulatory landscapes and maintain strong relationships with government and industry players is viewed as vital for Heathrow’s future.
- Strategic vision: Observers note that his blend of corporate leadership and public policy awareness aligns well with the challenges of guiding Europe’s busiest airport through its biggest expansion yet.
A pivotal moment for Heathrow
Lord Deighton, who has chaired Heathrow for nine years, is stepping down at a time when the airport is embarking on an unprecedented growth plan. In August, Heathrow submitted a revised blueprint for expansion, valued at nearly £50bn. Key elements include:
- Third runway (£21bn): Designed to boost capacity and reduce delays, the runway forms the heart of the expansion, despite fierce opposition over noise and environmental impact.
- New terminal and stands (£12bn): A modern terminal, accompanied by additional aircraft stands, aims to handle millions more passengers each year.
- Upgrade of Terminal 2 (£15bn): Comprehensive modernization will bring world-class amenities and streamline passenger flow.
- Closure of Terminal 3: As part of the plan, Terminal 3 would eventually be decommissioned to make way for new infrastructure.
Controversy and support
The third runway has attracted strong backlash, with local residents and environmental groups highlighting increased air and noise pollution. Despite these concerns, Heathrow insists the expansion is essential:
- Economic benefits: Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye stated, “It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow. We are effectively operating at capacity to the detriment of trade and connectivity.”
- Government backing: Chancellor Rachel Reeves told Parliament the runway “would unlock further investment, increase exports and make the UK more open and connected.”
- Airline objections: Several carriers warn that higher airport charges could undermine profitability, though the government has yet to issue a final green light.
Ownership shifts ahead of new leadership
Heathrow’s talent hunt for a new chairman coincides with major changes in its shareholder structure. Over the past year:
- Ardian stake: The French investment group now holds 32.6% of Heathrow following a series of acquisitions.
- Saudi involvement: The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has joined as a strategic investor, underscoring the airport’s global appeal.
These shifts have prompted calls for a chairman who can balance diverse investor interests while driving the expansion forward.
Next steps for Jansen and Heathrow
If Jansen accepts the chairmanship, he will face an immediate agenda:
- Working with regulators and community leaders to address environmental and local impact concerns.
- Coordinating with government bodies on planning approvals and potential legal challenges.
- Managing the delivery of multi-billion-pound contracts for construction, engineering and technology upgrades.
- Ensuring operational resilience during the phased build-out to minimise disruption for passengers and airlines.
A defining chapter for the UK’s aviation hub
Heathrow’s transformation represents the most ambitious airport expansion in UK history. As the prospective chairman, Philip Jansen brings a wealth of corporate governance and strategic insight at a time when Heathrow must navigate regulatory hurdles, commercial pushback and sustainability demands. His appointment could mark the start of a new era, steering Europe’s largest aviation hub toward a future that balances growth with responsibility.
