Durham Tees Valley Airport makes key appointments

Durham Tees Valley Airport has announced two key hires to its new senior management team.

The appointments include Phil Forster, who has joined as head of airport development from Leeds Bradford Airport, and David Soley – chairman of Cameron’s Brewery in Hartlepool – who has become non-executive chairman of the airport company.

The moves, overseen by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, come weeks after the airport was brought back under public ownership and following the appointment of Stobart Group as airport operator in March.

Ben Houchen (pictured right), Tees Valley Mayor, said: “In addition to our partnership with Stobart Group, we’re bulking up the airport’s management team to properly deliver our ten-year rescue plan to create more jobs, secure more flights and safeguard our airport’s future for generations to come.

“Working with our fantastic existing airport staff, the new management team will work hand-in-glove with Stobart Group to utilise their unrivalled experience in aviation and strong relationships with major airlines to make our airport fly again.”

Kate Willard (pictured left), director of partnership development at Stobart Group, said: “We are delighted to be working with the airport, the mayor, and this very experienced and strong management and oversight team. We believe Stobart’s industrial heritage, experience and credibility will help boost the airport.”

Phil and David join other members of the senior team supporting Durham Tees Valley Airport, which includes Glyn Jones (CEO of Stobart Aviation), Kate Willard (director of partnership development at Stobart Group) and Alison Fellows (investment director at Tees Valley Combined Authority).