Dave Lees, Managing Director, Southampton Airport

"Southampton Airport plays a vital role in the regional economy, both as a major employer of 1,200 local people, and as an important transport hub to around 50 destinations using over 900 weekly flights.

"The aim is for the airport experience to be as easy, fast and friendly as possible, to ensure that every passenger breezes through Southampton Airport."

Personal details

• Nationality: British
• Education: First Class Honours Degree in Transport Management, Loughborough University
• Qualifications: BSC(Hons)
• Interests: Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) – level 1 judge; amateur photography; spending time with young family; travelling, swimming, running and playing the saxophone.

Career summary

Dave joined BAA in 1990 starting as a graduate trainee. He has held a wide range of senior roles at both Heathrow and Southampton airports, in areas such as  passenger terminal management, engineering, industry regulation, commerce and service improvement. He was appointed Managing Director of Southampton Airport in July 2010.

Dave has worked at Southampton Airport since 2007, first as Planning & Development Director, and more recently as Operations Director. Key achievements during this time have included the development of the Southampton Airport Master Plan detailing future growth plans up to 2030. Dave also instigated the £7 million capital investment programme in 2010 to improve airport facilities.

Key dates

• 2010 – present: Appointed Managing Director of Southampton Airport
• 2009 – 2010: Operations Director, Southampton Airport
• 2007 – 2009: Planning & Development Director, Southampton Airport
• 2005 – 2007: Head of Service Improvement, Heathrow Airport
• 2003 – 2005: Head of Airside Solutions, Heathrow Airport
• 2001 – 2003: Project Team Member, BAA
• 2000 – 2001: Head of Engineering Delivery, Heathrow Airport
• 1997 – 2000: Head of Engineering & Development (T4), Heathrow Airport
• 1996 – 1997: Terminal Duty Manager (T4), Heathrow Airport
• 1992 – 1996: Planning & Development
• 1990 – 1992: Graduate Trainee

Other directorships/memberships

Member of Southampton & Fareham Chamber of Commerce.