London-Gatwick Airport (LGW) CEO Stewart Wingate is to step down as of September 2025, moving into a higher role overseeing several airports.
Gatwick Airport owners VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) announced on May 30, 2025, that Wingate will move into a newly created position.
From September 1, 2025, Stewart will oversee the future development and strategic direction of Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Belfast International (BFS), with the CEOs of these three airports reporting to him.
Stewart will continue to jointly report into both VINCI and GIP in relation to Gatwick and Edinburgh Airport. Belfast International is solely owned by VINCI.
“It’s been a privilege to lead the London Gatwick team for over 15 years through a number of very exciting projects such as the seven-year planning process to bring our Northern Runway into routine use and more challenging periods such as the Covid pandemic,” Wingate said.
He added: “I have also been fortunate to have had the opportunity to engage with a broad range of local stakeholders as we have shaped and delivered our plans.”
From September 1, 2025, Stewart will be replaced by Pierre-Hugues Schmit, currently CCO and Operational Officer at VINCI, and a non-executive director on the London-Gatwick Board.
“Stewart is one of the most experienced aviation executives in Europe and on behalf of the Board we would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution to London Gatwick,” commented Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and Michael McGhee, Deputy Chairman of GIP. “His broad expertise and strong track record make him an ideal choice for the newly created role of Managing Director for the UK as we look to maximize the opportunities across our UK portfolio.”
For both Gatwick and Edinburgh Airport, VINCI Airports owns a 50.01% stake with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99%.
