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Heathrow Airport is preparing for a major leadership transition as former BT Group chief executive Philip Jansen emerges as the frontrunner to become its next chairman, reported Sky News.
The move comes as Britain’s largest aviation hub pushes ahead with a long-awaited £50 billion expansion plan, including the construction of a third runway and significant terminal upgrades.
Jansen in advanced talks for Heathrow role
According to Sky News, Jansen—who currently chairs FTSE 100 marketing giant WPP—is in advanced discussions with Heathrow’s board and shareholders about taking over from Lord Deighton, who has chaired the airport for the past nine years.
The report said citing sources that an official announcement could be made within weeks if negotiations are successfully concluded.
The selection process, managed by headhunters Russell Reynolds Associates, placed Jansen at the top of a shortlist of candidates.
His extensive background leading regulated utilities such as BT is said to have played a key role in his emergence as the preferred candidate.
Jansen has also previously held senior leadership positions at MyTravel and Worldpay, bringing broad experience across multiple industries.
The appointment would come at a critical juncture for Heathrow as it seeks to balance infrastructure expansion with regulatory oversight, investor expectations, and industry pushback over rising costs.
£50bn expansion plan to boost capacity and connectivity
In August, Heathrow submitted a revised expansion plan estimated to cost nearly £50 billion.
The project includes £21 billion for a third runway, £12 billion for a new terminal and additional stand capacity, and £15 billion to modernise existing infrastructure, particularly through the expansion of Terminal 2.
Once complete, Terminal 3 would be closed.
The airport handled a record 83.9 million passengers in 2024, underscoring its position as a vital component of the UK’s transport network.
Chief executive Thomas Woldbye has argued that Heathrow is “effectively operating at capacity,” warning that the lack of expansion risks undermining trade and global connectivity.
“It has never been more important or urgent to expand Heathrow,” Woldbye said in August.
“With a green light from government and the correct policy support underpinned by a fit-for-purpose regulatory model, we are ready to mobilise and start investing this year in our supply chain across the country.”
The government has endorsed the expansion, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves describing the third runway as a project that would “unlock further growth, boost investment, increase exports, and make the UK more open and more connected.”
Ownership changes and industry challenges
Jansen’s potential appointment follows significant shifts in Heathrow’s ownership structure.
French investment firm Ardian now holds a 32.6% stake in the airport following a series of transactions over the past year, while Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has also acquired a shareholding.
Lord Deighton, who extended his tenure to ensure stability during this transition, indicated in Heathrow’s latest annual report that he would remain only for a limited period to assist in onboarding new directors and the incoming chair.
The expansion project, however, continues to face opposition from airlines concerned about the potential rise in charges for airport usage.
Heathrow has also been working to rebuild confidence after a March power outage that temporarily closed the airport, prompting an internal review led by former transport secretary Ruth Kelly.
If appointed, Philip Jansen will take the helm at a pivotal moment for Heathrow—balancing investor interests, operational reforms, and one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in UK aviation history.
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