London Gatwick Airport appoints chief HR officer

London Gatwick Airport has appointed Kathleen Maes (pictured) as chief human resources (HR) officer.

Maes joins from BT Group, where she was HR director for portfolio business, transformation and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). 

She brings experience from across M&A, transformation, talent and culture programmes, and has worked in Belgium, Switzerland and the UK.

Maes takes over from Simon Baker, who has served as interim HR director for the past year. 

Baker will become chief HR officer at Edinburgh Airport in October.

Maes said: “It’s an exciting time to join London Gatwick as we look forward to realising the benefits of the Northern Runway and embrace innovation and technology to keep improving the passenger and employee experience. 

“Our vision is at the heart of everything that we do and my focus will be on ensuring our employees feel valued, supported and proud to work here.”

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, chief executive at London Gatwick, said: “Our vision – to be the airport for everyone, whatever your journey – means delivering an enjoyable, accessible and efficient passenger experience and making our airport a great place to work.