Karen Smart, former Manchester Airport boss, has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer at Arsenal football club, signaling a major career shift.
- Smart served as Manchester Airport’s managing director from August 2020 until July this year.
- She faced criticism over long queues and missed flights, leading to her stepping down in April.
- Chris Woodroofe succeeded her as managing director, having previously served as COO at Gatwick.
- Smart’s extensive career includes roles in the RAF, East Midlands Airport, and Serco.
Karen Smart, the former boss of Manchester Airport, has been officially named the new Chief Operating Officer at Arsenal football club. This appointment marks a significant shift in her career, transitioning from the aviation industry to sports management.
Smart’s tenure as managing director at Manchester Airport began in August 2020 and concluded in July this year. However, her departure was precipitated by notable criticism from travellers who experienced prolonged queues and missed flights, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. Consequently, Smart stepped down from her role in April.
Chris Woodroofe, previously the Chief Operating Officer at Gatwick Airport from 2016 to 2020, succeeded Smart as managing director at Manchester Airport. This leadership transition aimed to address the operational challenges and improve passenger experiences at the airport.
Before her role at Manchester Airport, Smart held various high-ranking positions within the Manchester Airports Group. She served as the managing director of East Midlands Airport and initially joined the group as the customer service director in June 2014, later transitioning to the director of asset management in July 2016.
In addition to her extensive experience in the aviation sector, Smart’s career includes significant service in the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1992 to 2006, where she displayed exceptional leadership and strategic skills. She also contributed her expertise to the international service company, Serco, further diversifying her professional portfolio.
Karen Smart’s appointment as Arsenal’s COO underscores her versatile leadership capabilities across diverse sectors.