Irving, currently Newcastle’s chief commercial officer, will take on the top role on March 12 after two and a half years in the northeast.

Irving, a qualified management accountant, has held senior commercial and financial positions at Newcastle United Football Club and Procter and Gamble.

He said: “I am very excited at being given the opportunity to take this business forward at a time when the Peel Group’s continued investment in the airport has seen Liverpool become one of the UK’s stand-out regional airports.

“I am thoroughly looking forward to building on this recent success and for Liverpool to continue to be the faster, easier, friendlier airport of choice for passengers from across the region.”

Liverpool airport chairman Robert Hough added: ”John has helped Newcastle Airport make significant progress in his time there and we are therefore delighted to welcome him in his new role here at Liverpool, bringing drive and determination to take the airport on to the next level and to realise its tremendous potential.”