The boss of Manchester Airport has quit amid a growing backlash following chaotic scenes over the last few weeks to pursue 'new career opportunities'.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports confirmed this afternoon that Karen Smart has decided to leave the business after eight years. It comes after several reports of long passenger queues, staff shortages and calls from city leaders for management to 'get a grip' of the growing crisis.
Karen, who took on the Managing Director role at the start of the pandemic, has navigated the hub through the impacts of Covid-19, and has also led the start of its controversial recovery, MEN reports. The ECHO has reported previously on passengers frustrated with the 'chaotic' organisation at the airport.
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In a statement, 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 Ian Costigan will 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 ahead of the 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.”
According to MEN, since joining MAG in 2013, Ian has held a number of senior positions in the business, including his most recent position of Group Transformation Director. Ian will work closely in this role with Ken O’Toole, MAG’s Deputy CEO, who has overall responsibility for the strategic leadership, development and operation of the Group’s airports. Ken’s focus in the short term, MAG said in a statement, will be on 'driving the recovery of our airports'.
