Javier Echave has been confirmed in the role of chief financial officer with immediate effect, having acted in the role on an interim basis.

Echave is a highly experienced finance director having held senior roles in the UK and Europe, ranging from strategic corporate finance, planning, investment appraisal and financing.

Since joining Heathrow (then BAA) in 2008, he has advised the board and chief executive on establishing the company’s current capital structure and positioning Heathrow with a strong credit rating in the financial markets.

Over the past four years, as finance director for operations, investment and performance, Echave has played a key role enabling Heathrow’s passenger service transformation while delivering an ambitious efficiency programme.

He has also set up a robust financial investment capability for an £11 billion capital programme and led business finance to become a genuine strategic business partner.

As chairman of the Airport Fire Safety Board, he has led an internal cultural transformation around safety.

Prior to joining Heathrow, Echave worked as senior manager with Ferrovial, a Spanish-based world leading infrastructure operator and municipal services group.

Commenting on the appointment, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “Following a thorough internal and external search, we are delighted to confirm Javier Echave as our chief financial officer.

“As we take our first steps to deliver Heathrow expansion, he brings a proven ability to advise the board on its strategic investments and long term financial planning, while improving service and making our airport affordable for our airline customers and passengers.”