You could make the argument that it is easier for a chief executive to take the controls at a business after a period of underperformance, rather than following years of stellar numbers, because they can portray themselves as the force driving a heroic rescue.

A sweeter scenario still, and I have seen this more than a few times across sectors, is when a new chief executive arrives after most of the heavy lifting has been done by previous management trying to turn round a situation. The results just did not come quickly enough for the previous chief executive and a new boss swans in and takes the credit.

The situation at Edinburgh Airport is in stark contrast to such scenarios, given the spectacular rise in passenger numbers and flight wins secured during outgoing chief executive Gordon Dewar’s 14 years in the hot seat. The only interruption to this stellar showing was during the coronavirus pandemic and, after things returned to normal, it was not long before the airport was back on its impressive growth trajectory.

So there is no doubt that Mark Johnston, who is moving from the chief operating officer role at London Gatwick Airport, will have a hard act to follow when he takes up the top job at Edinburgh Airport on October 1.

That said, the sheer momentum of Edinburgh Airport’s growth should give Mr Johnston, a former managing director of Glasgow Airport, something of a tailwind as he enters the cockpit.

And, while the huge build programme at Edinburgh Airport will be a major undertaking to manage, it provides Mr Johnston with the opportunity to oversee an enormous investment aimed not only at accommodating future growth but also at improving the passenger experience.

Edinburgh Airport, Scotland’s largest by passenger numbers, this week announced the “first phase” of what it described as the largest capital investment programme in its history. More than £500 million is to be invested over the next five years in this first phase.

The airport declared:........

© Herald Scotland