Having served as chief executive of Copenhagen airport since 2011, Woldbye brings with him a wealth of experience, having forged strong links with the Danish government and fostered partnerships with airlines to drive investment and development.

Prior to his role at Copenhagen airport, he spent 27 years at Moller-Maersk, leading the global shipping and ferry divisions, working in several different countries around the world.

Heathrow chair Lord Paul Deighton said: "Leading Britain’s hub airport is one of the most important jobs in global aviation and the vacancy attracted the best calibre talent from across the world.

"Thomas’s achievements at Copenhagen not only mirror Heathrow’s long-term strategy, but his track record in successfully running a major airport and working closely with stakeholders to secure consensus and deliver positive results stood out in the selection process."

Woldbye added: "I have personally experienced how the excellent team at Heathrow has successfully improved both the infrastructure and the service to passengers over the past years to create a strong platform for further success.

"I look forward to being part of charting the path for this iconic company. My ambition will be to make the airport even better for passengers, for airlines, the community and every part of the UK."