London Gatwick Airport has announced that Pierre-Hugues Schmit will become its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Stewart Wingate in September 2025.
Schmit, currently the Chief Commercial and Operational Officer at VINCI Airports and a non-executive director on the London Gatwick Board, will lead the airport into its next phase of growth.
Stewart Wingate, who has served as Gatwick’s CEO for 15 years, will transition into a new role as Managing Director of UK Airports for VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). In this expanded role, Wingate will oversee strategic development at London Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport, and Belfast International Airport, with the chief executives of all three airports reporting to him.
A joint statement by Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports, and Michael McGhee, Deputy Chairman of GIP, praised Wingate’s transformative leadership: “During his tenure, passenger numbers have increased from 30 million in 2009 to over 43 million, driven by long-haul growth and strong airline partnerships. Stewart has also led major improvements in airfield operations, runway infrastructure, and security while embedding sustainability in the airport’s operations.”
Wingate reflected on his tenure, saying, “It’s been a privilege to lead the London Gatwick team through exciting milestones such as the seven-year planning for the Northern Runway and difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport is now in a strong financial and operational position with a broader airline base than ever. I look forward to working with the teams across our UK airports in my new role.”
Incoming CEO Schmit expressed his enthusiasm for the new role. He said, “London Gatwick plays a vital role in the UK, connecting global and domestic markets and driving economic growth. I’m excited to lead the airport through its next growth phase.”
