1 October 2026 – As London Southend progresses in the next phase of its growth, the airport is pleased to announce the appointment of its Chief Financial Officer, Sharmeen Divan, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Chief Executive Officer, Jude Winstanley, left the airport on 30th September 2026 to pursue new opportunities outside of the aviation industry.
Divan joined London Southend Airport in May 2025 and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Her leadership will provide continuity and further strengthen the airport as we progress our ambitious plans for future growth.
Sharmeen Divan, Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer at this exciting time for London Southend Airport. We have a strong team, a clear strategy and significant opportunities ahead of us. I look forward to working closely with our colleagues, airline partners and stakeholders as we continue to build on the airport’s recent successes and deliver our next phase of growth.”
The airport’s shareholding, ownership structure and strategic direction remain unchanged.
The executive team, led by Divan will continue to lead the organisation on a day-to-day basis, ensuring stability and continuity for the airport’s people, partners and customers.
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About London Southend Airport
London Southend Airport was the UK’s fastest growing airport in 2025, with a 150% increase in passengers compared to 2024. In Q2 this year the airport had the best on-time performance in the UK, as well as having the second-best average delay time – at just 10 minutes, 24 seconds – in 2025.
Year round the airport offers 31 destinations, with new routes to Belfast City, Budapest, Edinburgh, Lyon, Rhodes and Sharm El Sheikh launching in the next 12 months. Our dedicated on-site train station ensures seamless connectivity, with a 10-minute train-to-gate time and direct services from Stratford, London in 43 minutes and London Liverpool Street in just 52 minutes.
Renowned for sensational customer experience, we manage all key operations in-house, delivering an easy, speedy, friendly journey from arrival to departure. easyJet passengers rank us among the UK’s top airports for satisfaction and our own private London Southend Jet Centre is the fastest growing in the country.