The Board of Copenhagen Airports has appointed Copenhagen Airport (CPH) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Christian Poulsen as Acting CEO when current boss Thomas Woldbye leaves on 30 September.

Poulsen has worked at Copenhagen Airport for more than 14 years, including nearly four as COO.

Woldbye is to replace Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye after serving as CEO of Copenhagen Airport since 2011 and being held in high regard for championing passenger service, sustainability and growth.

At Heathrow, Woldbye will be tasked with overseeing the airport’s future strategy following an £11 billion private investment programme by Heathrow’s shareholders.

While at CPH, Woldbye forged strong links with the Danish Government (part-owners of Copenhagen Airport) and fostered partnerships with airlines to drive investment and development, including significant recent expansions in terminal capacity at the airport.

Prior to his role at Copenhagen Airport, Woldbye spent 27 years at Møller-Mærsk, leading the global shipping and ferry divisions and working in several different countries around the world.

Woldbye “Highly successful” CEO

In June this year, Copenhagen Airports Chairman of the Board Lars Nørby Johansen said: “I receive the news of Thomas Woldbye’s resignation with deep sadness, but I have nothing but respect and understanding for his decision to accept the offer of becoming CEO of Heathrow Airport.

“Thomas Woldbye has been a highly successful CEO to Copenhagen Airports. In his time as CEO, he has led the airport ambitiously through its growth period with passenger levels rising to record levels from 20 to 30 million in eight years, and with a steady hand he has guided us through the troubling Covid pandemic.”

Poulsen will continue to perform his role as Chief Operating Officer while serving as acting CEO.