Luton Rising is pleased to announce the appointment of Paul Kehoe CBE as its new independent Board Chair. Kehoe, is a former Managing Director of London Luton Airport from 2001-2005 when it was operated by TBI plc. An experienced Chair, Director and CEO working in the air transport, aerospace and logistics sectors in public and private organisations across the globe, Mr Kehoe was appointed a CBE for services to aviation and the UK economy in the 2017 Birthday Honours.

Among numerous senior appointments he has previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Birmingham and Bristol International airports, Gulf Air Group, Bahrain, and as Managing Director for Belfast International Airport. Kehoe is a former Chair of the West Midlands Growth Company and the Airport Operators Association, and has also held a number of non-executive directorships both in the UK and overseas.

Earlier in his career Kehoe spent eight years with the RAF as air traffic control officer, and has further worked in the aircraft manufacturing and aviation support services sectors.

Luton Rising is the Luton Council company that owns London Luton Airport and associated assets for community benefit. Outgoing Chair Cllr Javeria Hussain was recently appointed Luton Council’s Portfolio Holder for skills and education and will also remain on the Luton Rising Board.

She said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul back to Luton. He brings with him a wealth of experience developing not only airport infrastructure but also regional economic and tourism programmes. “This will be invaluable as we look to deliver long-term sustainable growth of our airport and the huge social impact and employment benefits we provide for local and neighbouring communities.”

Robin Porter, Luton Council Chief Executive Officer, said: “Luton Rising is a fundamental driver and enabler of the mission to deliver our shared vision for Luton 2040 – a healthy, fair and sustainable town where everyone can thrive and no-one has to live in poverty.

“Paul has a deep understanding of how airports, regional economies and local authorities work. He has kept in close touch with recent developments in our town, and is ideally placed to help optimise Luton Rising’s multiple assets in and around the airport going forward.”

Kehoe said: “I am delighted to have come full circle back to Luton. The airport has changed significantly over the 18 years I’ve been away. The transformation of the town from a manufacturing base to a service economy is very evident and has created the momentum for even more change.

“I look forward to helping the Council and the Luton Rising team make a better future for the local community by consolidating the airport’s position as the vital economic air bridge for the borough and the wider region.”

Luton Rising Managing Director Nick Platts said: “Luton Rising is strengthening its Board membership after being advised to appoint three non-executive directors, one of which should become our new Chair.

“I would like to thank Cllr Javeria Hussain for her enormous contribution to the role and the success of the company since 2021. I am delighted that Cllr Javeria remains on the Board, and look forward to two further non-executive director appointments in 2024 as we move into the next phase of the company’s growth.”