London Luton has appointed a new Chairman, Keith Ludeman

Keith Ludeman has been appointed Chairman of London Luton Airport (LLA).

As the current Chairman of High Speed One (HS1) Ltd and former CEO of Go-Ahead Group Plc, Ludeman took up the role at LLA on the 23 May 2019.

Ludeman joins LLA at the most successful time in the airport’s 80-year history. Following the completion of a £160 million transformation project in December 2018 and a period of record growth in passenger numbers, LLA is now the UK’s fifth largest airport, set to handle 18 million passengers a year by 2020.

He brings decades of experience from holding the senior roles in the transport and infrastructure sectors and will be instrumental in steering the airport as it enters a new phase, aiming to deliver a world-class travel experience, a stronger local economy and much-needed air capacity in the South East.

Ludeman said: “LLA is in a really exciting period of growth with strong demand from passengers and a growing choice of international routes. I am looking forward to working with the board and team to help guide the business through a new post-transformation phase as we work to establish our status as a leading UK airport that is first choice for passengers, good for the community and a vital asset to the UK.”

Alberto Martin, CEO of LLA, said: “Keith has an enviable reputation in the UK transport and infrastructure sectors. He will be a great addition to the board, bringing valuable knowledge and experience as we move into a new phase which is focused on creating a world-class experience for passengers and ensuring sustainable growth for our community as we continue to meet the ongoing demand for aviation capacity.”

As well as his current role as Chairman of HS1, Ludeman is also currently the Senior Independent Director of Eversholt Rail Group Ltd, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the London Transport Museum and Chairman of Bristol Water Plc. His previous roles include Non-Executive Director of Interserve Plc, Chairman of Aspin Group Ltd, Chairman of TXM Plant and the Senior Independent Director of Network Rail.

LLA’s shareholders, Aena and AMP Capital, said: “We are delighted that Keith will be joining the airport as Chairman. He has a huge amount of valuable experience and will play a crucial part in our continued success.”