Smart choice as boss of East Midlands Airport
20 / 03 / 2018
Karen Smart, currently director of landside operations at London Stansted Airport, has been appointed managing director of East Midlands Airport.
Smart will take up her role at the UK’s largest pure cargo airport in April 2018 and will lead a team of over 500 employees.
She joined MAG, parent group of Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, in 2014 and during her time with the business also served as customer services and security director at Stansted. Prior to joining MAG, Smart spent several years at the service provider Serco and had a career in the RAF.
She takes over from Andy Cliffe who has been with MAG for 19 years and managing director of East Midlands Airport for five years. Cliffe is leaving the business to take up a new role as chief executive of Midland Expressway, the company responsible for operating the M6 Toll road.
Charlie Cornish, group chief executive of MAG, said: “Andy has done a tremendous job in driving East Midlands Airport forward as a vital piece of UK infrastructure. The airport provides a valuable service to leisure and business passengers across the region and through its significant cargo operation is responsible for fuelling the national economy.”
“Karen Smart is an exceptional leader and with her strong track record I’m sure she will build on the great foundations that exist at East Midlands Airport.”
Smart said: “It’s a hugely exciting time in the aviation industry and I feel privileged to be taking on the role of managing director at East Midlands Airport.
“I’m looking forward to continuing the drive to attract new airlines to serve the vibrant region whilst further improving the customer experience.”
