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London Southend Airport announces appointment of new CEO ahead of significant growth phase

London Southend Airport has today announced the appointment of Jude Winstanley as its new CEO, effective 2 December 2024.

Jude brings over 25 years of experience in commercial aviation from British Airways, Swissport and International Airlines Group with roles across Ground Handling, Cargo, Aircraft Operations and Customer Experience.

Current interim Chief Executive Officer Marc Taylor, who has been providing leadership to the airport for the past six months, becomes the airport’s Managing Director for Operations having been an integral part of the airport’s operational team since 1998.

Hamish de Run, Chairman, London Southend Airport said: “We are delighted to welcome Jude to London Southend Airport. His deep expertise and knowledge of the aviation industry will guide and drive us through our next phase of growth and innovation.

“Together with the airport’s shareholders Carlyle and Cyrus Capital Partners, the Board of Directors are confident that Jude’s leadership will steer us towards continued success. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to express our thanks to Marc Taylor for his outstanding contributions.”

Jude Winstanley said: “I am looking forward to taking on the role of CEO, London Southend Airport. I am passionate about providing our passengers with continued, exceptional customer service whilst accelerating growth momentum.

“London Southend is a key asset to east London, Essex, Southend City and the wider East Anglia region, and I look forward to providing leadership to the airport’s highly skilled team.”

Marc Taylor said: “I am very proud of our growth achievements in 2024 including the announcement of a new easyJet base, from March 2025; testament to our award-winning passenger experience and the successful alliance with this long-term airline partner.

“With 17 destinations now on sale, London Southend is poised for future growth, and I look forward to working alongside Jude in delivering the airport’s continued success and its future growth ambitions.”

For additional enquiries, please contact [email protected].

About London Southend Airport

London Southend Airport, ranked the best London airport by consumer group Which? six times and voted the best UK airport (under three million capacity) by the Airport Operator’s Association in 2019. 

Serving close to 2.3 million passengers in 2019, London Southend offered services to around 40 domestic and European cities. The terminal has its own railway station, less than 100 paces from the main entrance, with up to six trains an hour at peak times to central London, taking just 52 minutes to Liverpool Street and 43 minutes from Stratford. All airport car parks are located minutes from the terminal entrance.