Former BT Boss in Advanced Talks to Chair Heathrow Airport
London, UK – Octoberโ 18, 2025, 1:47 PM GMT โฃ – Gavin Patterson, the former Chief Executive of British Telecom (BT), is reportedly on the verge of being appointed as the next Chairman of Heathrow Airport, โคone of the worldS busiest โฃtransportation hubs.Sources indicate that Patterson โis in advanced discussions with the airport’s ownership โgroup regarding the pivotal role.
The potential appointment comes at a critical juncture for Heathrow. The airport is navigating a โcomplex landscape of โpost-pandemic recovery, ongoing concerns about passenger capacity, and increasing scrutiny over its environmental โขimpact. โฃA seasoned leader with Patterson’s experience will be crucial in steering theโค airport through these challenges and shaping its future strategy.
Patterson led BT, the โคUK’sโฃ largest telecommunications company, for five years until 2019.During his tenure, he oversaw significant investments in fibre optic infrastructure and navigated the competitive pressures of the rapidly evolving digital landscape. He currently serves on the board โof several companies, demonstratingโข continuedโ engagement in theโฃ UK business sector.
“Gavin Patterson bringsโข a wealth โof experience in managing โlarge, complex organizations and a proven track record of strategic leadership,” commented industry analyst Sarah Jenkins. “Heathrow needs someone who โcan โขeffectively engage with stakeholders – airlines, government, regulators, and theโฃ public – and Patterson’s โbackground suggests he’s well-equipped to do so.”
The current Heathrowโข Chairman, Lord Paul Deighton, is stepping down at the end of the year โafter serving two terms.The โคsearch forโ his replacement has โbeen closely watched, with many anticipating a candidate possessing both strong business acumen and a deep understanding of infrastructure challenges.
While โtheโ deal isn’t โyet finalized, sources suggest an declaration could come within the next few weeks. The โappointment โwill be subjectโฃ to standard regulatory โapprovals.
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