A leading figure in the UK’s aviation industry has today been presented with the Lifetime Contribution to Midlands Business Award 2016.
Paul Kehoe, Chief Executive of Birmingham Airport, is recognised for his outstanding contribution to the Midlands through his tireless work and effort in firmly placing the region on the world map from an aviation perspective.
On receiving his trophy, Paul said:
“I’m genuinely thrilled and pleasantly surprised at this honour. I attribute this trophy to citizens across the Midlands for their continued support to Birmingham Airport where we strive to create connectivity across the globe and provide an excellent passenger experience, a job that we so proudly do.”
Birmingham Airport is the UK’s third largest airport outside London, and the UK’s seventh largest overall, handling more than 11 million passengers a year. Over the last 10 years, Birmingham Airport has invested more than £300 million to develop its infrastructure.
Commenting on Paul’s award, Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midlands Connect and a recipient himself of this award in 2014, said:
“I’m delighted to hear that Paul Kehoe has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Paul is a remarkable individual who has brought about so many positive and impressive changes to the Midlands, benefitting so many people. He has served communities across the region and continues to do so proudly and passionately. Well done Paul!”
Founder and Director of the Midlands Business Awards, which this year marks its tenth anniversary, said:
“Paul is a modest person who continues to go the extra mile to seek new and exciting opportunities for linking our region to the rest of the world. I’m so pleased for Paul and I wish him every success in his future goals and ambitions.”
Paul started his career in aviation as an air traffic controller in the Royal Air Force, he then moved into domestic flights, working at Belfast, Luton and Bristol airports. He joined Birmingham Airport as its Chief Executive in October 2008 and has overseen the biggest transformation in its history. He has also worked for British Aerospace, Serco Aviation and TBI plc, the airport group.
Paul has been an active member of the Airport Operators Association, or AOA, where he in 2004 he served for a year as a Director and Chairman. He is also Chairman of Marketing Birmingham, the city’s tourism agency, and a member of the Warwick Business School Strategy Board.
Other positions currently held by Paul include: member on the Board of the Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, or LEP; Chairman of the Skills for Birmingham Advisory Board; Vice President of Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, becoming Chairman next month (October).
Paul was behind a report entitled, ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket: a challenge to aviation orthodoxy’, in which he, in 2012, had pointed out that in order for the UK to have a strong economic future, someone should challenge the obsession the industry has with the south east being the only option for airport expansion.
The Midlands Business Awards, or MBAs, celebrates the finest business talent the Midlands has to offer. From manufacturers, business and networking clubs and service providers to universities and entrepreneurs the awards recognise deserving achievers across 12 different categories. To see the full list of winners from past years and for more information about entry criteria visit www.midlandsbusinessawards.com
