East Midlands Airport has appointed a new director of operations

• East Midlands Airport has appointed a new Chief Operating Officer as it looks to an exciting future by growing its passenger and cargo operations.
• Lauren Turner takes on the role having worked in a wide range of roles at the airport since 2013 when she joined as a security officer.

The announcement follows the recent appointment of a new Commercial Director, whose focus will be on delivering on the airport’s cargo growth plan and expanding the passenger route network, including a major European airport to connect the East Midlands to the rest of the world.

The airport’s ambitious growth plans present huge opportunities and challenges for its day-to-day operations, something Lauren says she enjoys. After obtaining a diploma in travel and tourism, she did not follow the path into the world of aviation that many of her fellow female students did, and says that deciding to work at the airport was “the best decision I have ever made,” which opened up a wide range of career opportunities for her.

After working in security, she took on roles in airport security, airport control room and airport operations supervisor, at a time when she was the only woman on the team – now half men and half women.

She then became an airport shift manager overseeing the day-to-day operations of the entire airport, and later assumed the position of chief of airport operations. In this role, she led the project to increase existing aircraft parking capacity at all three aprons ahead of long-term growth plans.

In her new role, she will be responsible for a wide range of critical functions, from airport operations, fire service, command and control, through to business resilience and air traffic control – a total of 189 employees. Air traffic control, which has faced significant industrial and global challenges since the pandemic, is an area it is particularly keen to help regain its full strength. There are currently several job opportunities available, and a new Chief of Air Traffic Control position is scheduled to start in the new year.

With her diverse operational background and strong technical expertise, Lauren is responsible for ensuring full compliance with UK aviation regulations, and maintaining the highest safety standards for both passengers and staff.

Lauren said: “I’m really looking forward to being part of shaping a new era at East Midlands Airport. Having been here for 12 years, I have seen business and industry at rock bottom during Covid, but we are now at our best with an exceptional performance supporting global trade and supporting the economy.”

“We have really clear ambitions that will transform the airport and I’m looking forward to working alongside our new Commercial Director on those plans and taking our teams on that journey. I’m also looking forward to working with our new Head of Air Traffic Control, as we invest heavily in new technology over the next five years, and I want to build the team that plays a vital role in keeping our operations running safely.”

Steve Griffiths, General Manager, East Midlands Airport, said: “I am delighted to have Lauren as our new Director of Operations. She is a highly competent and valued member of the team, and brings a passion for the airport and its future, along with a wealth of experience, determination and great knowledge of all aspects of our operations.

“With our recent appointment of a new commercial director, we now have people in two pivotal roles in the senior management team whose business focus will help us shape and deliver on the ambitious plans we have for the airport.”

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