Southend Airport appoints Sharmeen Divan as Interim CEO

London Southend Airport has announced the appointment of its Chief Financial Officer, Sharmeen Divan, as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective 1st October.

Chief Executive Officer, Jude Winstanley, left the airport on 30 September 2026 to pursue new opportunities outside of the aviation industry.

Sharmeen joined London Southend Airport in May 2025 and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. Her leadership will provide continuity and further strengthen the airport as it progresses its ambitious plans for future growth.

How the airport intends to deliver on its next phase of growth

Sharmeen Divan, Interim Chief Executive Officer, said: “I am delighted to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer at this exciting time for London Southend Airport. We have a strong team, a clear strategy and significant opportunities ahead of us.

“I look forward to working closely with our colleagues, airline partners and stakeholders as we continue to build on the airport’s recent successes and deliver our next phase of growth.”

Photo: Southend Airport

The airport’s shareholding, ownership structure and strategic direction remain unchanged. Whilst the executive team, led by Sharmeen Divan, will continue to lead the organisation on a day-to-day basis, ensuring continuity for the airport, partners and customers.

London Southend Airport was the UK’s fastest growing airport in 2025, with a 150% increase in passengers compared to 2024. In Q2 this year the airport had the best on-time performance in the UK, as well as having the second-best average delay time – at just 10 minutes, 24 seconds – in 2025.

It was recently announced that easyJet will be adding another Airbus A320neo to its London Southend fleet from next summer, meaning the airline will now base four aircraft in the airport.