The former boss of Manchester Airport has been given a top job at Arsenal football club, according to reports from The Athletic.
Karen Smart left her role as managing director of the south Manchester airport in April amid growing backlash over long passenger queues and staff shortages.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports, confirmed Smart was to depart the role to pursue fresh opportunities and 'return to the south.'
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She has now been appointed as new chief operating officer for the north London Premier League side, The Athletic reports. It's understood Smart, who replaced Hywel Sloman, began her new job last week. The role oversees the stadium, all facilities, IT and travel, and sits on the executive board.
Smart, who took on the Managing Director role of Manchester Airport at the start of the pandemic, had navigated the hub through the impacts of Covid-19, and also led the start of its controversial recovery.
In a statement issued earlier this year, Manchester Airport said Karen had decided to return to the south of England, where her family is based, to 'pursue fresh career opportunities'.
MAG also announced that Ian Costigan would take on the role of Interim Managing Director and will be in charge of the recruitment drive said to be at the heart of solving the ongoing issues during this summer.
MAG CEO Charlie Cornish said: "Over the last two years, Karen has guided Manchester Airport through the most challenging period of its 84-year history, having made a major contribution to MAG throughout her time with the business.
"I am sorry to lose Karen after her years of valuable service, but also understand her desire to return to the South for family reasons and indeed to explore new career opportunities.
"While there are sure to be further challenges ahead, I am confident we will soon start to see the benefits of the recovery plans Karen has helped put in place and look forward to working with Ian and his leadership team to drive them forward."
Prior to her role at Manchester, Karen was MD of East Midlands, and before that had a series of leadership positions at Stansted.
Arsenal began their Premier League on Friday with a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Gabriel Martinelli and a Marc Guehi own goal giving them the win. Mikel Arteta’s side host Leicester City on Saturday in their next league game.
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