Wanted: New chief to spearhead near £1bn expansion of Edinburgh Airport - Scotland's busiest
Chief executive Gordon Dewar to step down after 14 years in charge
A new leader to spearhead one of Scotland’s biggest expansion projects is being sought after the chief of the country’s busiest airport announced his departure on Wednesday.
Gordon Dewar will step down as Edinburgh’s chief executive towards the end of this year as the airport ramps up major development plans to cope with booming passenger numbers, which are expected to cost the best part of £1 billion.
The Scotsman understands the move was Mr Dewar’s decision after a total of 16 years in charge over two separate stints, the latest one lasting some 14 years.
An aviation industry source said Mr Dewar’s departure was unsurprising given it was unusual for an airport chief to stay in the same post for so long.
The airport handled a record 16.9 million passengers last year - 85 per cent more than in 2012.
Mr Dewar also steered Edinburgh Airport through the Covid pandemic from 2020 when passenger flights dropped to near zero and large numbers of staff were laid off.
Mr Dewar was previously chief executive in 2008-10 before a spell in the same role at Bahrain Airport.
He was managing director of Glasgow Airport in 2007-08, during which there was a terrorist attack on the terminal, and is a past commercial director of ScotRail.
An airport spokesperson said: “It is expected that he will leave his role towards the end of 2026 following the search for his successor.”
Mr Dewar, who will be 60 next month, said: “It has been the highlight of my career to develop this fabulous business as part of an amazing, talented and committed team.
“I am immensely proud of our growth record, not least because what it means for my home city and for Scotland as a whole.
“Together, we delivered better connectivity and market-leading results through a business that knows its place at the heart of our community.
“Importantly, all of this has been driven by values that we jointly hold and are rightly passionate about.
“In my remaining months, I look forward to helping find my successor and to continue driving the momentum of this business that has the brightest of futures and limitless opportunities.
“I will also be able to use that time to show my appreciation and thanks to all who have shaped this amazing journey and will continue to do so.”
Stewart Wingate, UK managing director of French group VINCI Airports, which took a majority stake in Edinburgh in 2024, said: “Gordon is an extremely talented executive and has done a tremendous job at Edinburgh Airport over many years.
“He leaves with the thanks and best wishes of the Board.
“His legacy of a strong team, exceptional growth and a clear value-driven strategy stands Edinburgh and its airport in good stead for the future.”
The airport’s expansion, which it described as the “most ambitious capital investment programme in its history” will involve extending the passenger terminal, with more departure gates and aircraft parking stands.
Other elements of the project, which will see spending of up to £150 million a year, include a larger car rental centre, which is already busier than Heathrow’s - Europe’s busiest airport.
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