LONDON, October 18, 2025 — Former BT Group CEO Philip Jansen, currently serving as Chairman of marketing conglomerate WPP, is reportedly in advanced talks with Heathrow Airport’s board and major shareholders to become the next chairman of the UK’s largest airport, according to a Sky News report published on Saturday.
If negotiations are successful, Jansen could soon be officially named as the successor to Paul Deighton, who has led the Heathrow board since 2016.
Philip Jansen Emerges as Frontrunner for Top Role
Sky News sources said Jansen has emerged as the frontrunner among a shortlist of high-profile candidates. An announcement could be made within weeks, pending final approval from Heathrow’s key investors.
While Heathrow Airport declined to comment, industry insiders believe Jansen’s extensive leadership experience and regulatory background make him a strong candidate to guide the company through a critical phase of modernization and recovery in the post-pandemic travel landscape.
Reuters could not independently verify the report.
Heathrow’s Chairman Search and Governance Stability
Heathrow has been working with global headhunter Russell Reynolds Associates since mid-2025 to find a replacement for outgoing chairman Paul Deighton, whose official term was set to expire on April 30, 2025.
Deighton, a former Treasury minister, agreed to extend his tenure temporarily to maintain board continuity amid leadership transitions.
“I have agreed to extend my role as Chair for a limited period to ensure continuity and stability on the HAHL Board during this period of transition,” Deighton stated in Heathrow’s annual report earlier this year.
The airport has seen several leadership shifts over the past year as it adjusts its strategic focus to sustainability, passenger experience, and long-term infrastructure planning.
Jansen’s Corporate Track Record and Industry Experience
Philip Jansen, 58, is best known for his tenure as CEO of BT Group from 2019 to early 2024, where he oversaw the telecom giant’s transformation amid heightened regulatory oversight and competition in the UK broadband sector.
Before BT, Jansen held top executive positions across diverse industries, including:
- CEO of Worldpay, where he led a major digital payments expansion.
- CEO of Brakes Group, a leading food distribution company.
- Senior leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, Sodexo, Telewest, MyTravel, and Travis Perkins.
Jansen currently chairs WPP, the world’s largest advertising and marketing services group, giving him deep experience in communications and stakeholder management — qualities highly valued in a complex, regulated environment like Heathrow.
Heathrow’s Strategic Challenges Ahead
Heathrow Airport, owned by a consortium of global investors including Ferrovial and Qatar Investment Authority, remains one of the busiest hubs in the world. However, it faces mounting pressure from several fronts:
- Environmental and regulatory scrutiny over emissions and sustainability.
- Operational demands as global travel rebounds post-COVID-19.
- Economic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties affecting passenger volumes and cargo flows.
Jansen’s appointment would come at a crucial juncture as Heathrow continues investing in infrastructure modernization and seeks approval for long-term expansion projects.
Outlook: Leadership Transition Could Strengthen Heathrow’s Board
Industry analysts say Jansen’s blend of corporate governance experience and regulatory expertise makes him a logical fit to steer Heathrow through its next growth phase.
If confirmed, his appointment could signal a renewed focus on technology-driven efficiency, regulatory collaboration, and sustainability initiatives across the airport’s operations.
A formal decision is expected in the coming weeks, pending board and shareholder approvals.
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