Heathrow airport’s CEO Colin Matthews is to leave his post later this year, saying “the time is right to pass on the baton”.
Matthews, who has been head of the airport for the past six years, will leave after the opening of Terminal 2 – ‘The Queen’s Terminal’ in June.
"It has been a privilege to serve as CEO of Heathrow for the past six years," Matthews said in a statement on Heathrow's website.
"The opening of Terminal 2 in June this year is a further important step in the transformation of Heathrow and long term prospects are bright following the decision of the Airports Commission to shortlist our proposal for a new runway.
"So once Terminal 2 has opened later this year, I have decided the time is right to pass on the baton."
Matthews will leave Heathrow in the middle of the debate over extra air capacity for the south east.
In December, the west London airport's proposal for a third runway was one of three suggestions shortlisted by Howard Davies' Airports Commission on the future of Britain as an international aviation hub.
A decision from the Airports Commission will be made in summer 2015.
Sir Nigel Rudd, chairman of Heathrow, said the business has started searching for a replacement.
"Colin has done a fantastic job of improving Heathrow for passengers and will remain as Chief Executive until his successor is in place to ensure a smooth transition," he said.