As Development Director, John has been responsible for delivering the £1 billion annual investment in transforming Heathrow, including the new Terminal 2: The Queen's Terminal, which will open to passengers in June. He joined the company as Commercial Director in May 2009, and was responsible for a 30% growth in retail income and improved passenger experience.

John was previously Divisional CEO with Taylor Wimpey PLC, Operations Director at Taylor Woodrow PLC and Divisional Managing Director at Bass Brewers Ltd.

Heathrow announced on 1 April that Colin Matthews will be standing down as Chief Executive Officer.

Colin joined Heathrow in March 2008. Under his leadership the proportion of passengers rating their journey through Heathrow as good or excellent has increased from less than 50% to more than 75%.

John Holland-Kaye said:

"I am very proud to have been chosen to succeed Colin as CEO. We have worked closely together for the last five years to improve passenger experience, efficiency and resilience, to a point where Heathrow is increasingly seen as Europe's hub of choice.

"My aspiration is to improve Heathrow as much in the next five years as we have in the last five years."

Colin Matthews said:

"It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Heathrow for the last six years and I am delighted to be handing over to John Holland-Kaye. Under John's leadership the company will continue to raise standards of passenger experience, improve efficiency and reduce costs.

"John has played a pivotal role in the delivery of the new Terminal 2, which is a further important step in the transformation of Heathrow. John has also been heavily involved in developing the new approach to Heathrow expansion which has been shortlisted by the Airports Commission."