The managing director of three of the UK’s largest airports, including Gatwick, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Chichester.
Stewart Wingate has received an Honorary Doctor of Public Administration in recognition of his leadership at Gatwick Airport and his wider contribution to the future of UK aviation.
Mr Wingate, who has worked in West Sussex for almost 20 years, said he was delighted to be recognised by what he described as “the local university to Gatwick Airport”.
He said: “It was a very pleasant surprise when I received news of the award. I have worked in West Sussex for nearly 20 years and it is great to be recognised by the University of Chichester. I am acutely aware that I am only being recognised because of the considerable efforts of all of the people who have worked in my teams and supported me for many years.
“I am very much a people person. I have greatly enjoyed supporting people across all of the businesses that I have led. I am particularly proud of the high potential colleagues that I have worked with who have gone to lead major businesses in their own right.”
Mr Wingate began his career as an apprentice before graduating in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Northumbria University.
He also holds an MBA from Newcastle University and is a Chartered Engineer, as well as a Fellow of both the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Chartered Institute of Marketing.
After holding senior roles at Glasgow, Stansted and Budapest airports, he became chief executive of Gatwick Airport in 2009.
During his time at Gatwick, he oversaw more than £2 billion of investment, expanded the airport’s international connections and led improvements to passenger facilities and services.
Gatwick has also made a commitment for its airport operations to reach net zero by 2030.
In 2025, Mr Wingate was appointed Managing Director of UK Airports, taking responsibility for London Gatwick, Edinburgh Airport and Belfast International Airport.
The role sees him oversee three major transport hubs which handle millions of passengers and contribute to economic growth across the UK.
Speaking to graduates, Mr Wingate offered advice for their future careers.
He said: “Work hard and play hard. Make the most of the opportunities that become available to you and take calculated risks. Treat others in a way you would like to be treated. Be ambitious and be demanding of your team and always say thank you for a job well done.”
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