Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) has appointed Declan Maguire as its new aviation director.
This is designed to strengthen its executive leadership team as the airport embarks on the next phase of its Vision 2030 strategy – a plan to grow annual passenger numbers from four million to seven million by the end of the decade.
Maguire joins LBA having previously held senior aviation development roles at Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Doncaster Sheffield Airport, where he led on airline partnerships and route expansion.
Bringing more than 15 years of experience in the aviation sector and with a career spanning airport leadership, consultancy, and strategic development, he most recently held senior roles in aviation consultancy and data analytics, advising governments, investors and airports on route development, policy, and market growth opportunities.
Maguire said: “I’m thrilled to be joining Leeds Bradford Airport at such an exciting point in its development.
“Airports are more than infrastructure – they are deeply embedded in people’s lives. From once-in-a-lifetime holidays to school trips, job interviews to family reunions, they play a role in countless personal journeys.
“I’m proud to help strengthen Yorkshire’s international connectivity and support the airport’s continued growth as a vital regional asset – and what better time to join, as our new terminal opens, providing Yorkshire with an airport that rivals any European peer and one we can all be proud of.”
Vincent Hodder, CEO, added: “Declan brings valuable experience, strong industry relationships and a real passion for regional aviation.
“His appointment supports our commitment to expanding our network, enhancing our airline partnerships and delivering long-term, sustainable growth for Leeds Bradford Airport.”
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Twinkl, a Sheffield-based provider of educational resources, has appointed two new executive directors to its senior leadership team.
Remo Gettini has joined as chief technology officer, and Stuart Parker-Tyreman is joining as chief education officer on 1 September.
Gettini has over 30 years of experience in scaling digital platforms, and a proven track record helping global businesses such as Depop, DreamWorks, Electronic Arts, and World of Books navigate the ever-changing world of technology.
He said: “Joining Twinkl is deeply personal. As a father to a teenager, I see every day how important, and sometimes tough, learning can be.
“And as a former teacher, I have been on the other side too, trying to support students in a system that did not always make it easy.
“That is why this mission resonates so strongly with me. I am not here just to build EdTech experiences, but also to deliver solutions that really understand and support learners and educators. This work matters to me on every level.”
Parker-Tyreman is a respected voice in education strategy and classroom innovation, and has more than 20 years of experience in secondary schools and Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) across the UK.
Starting out as a secondary school teacher, he has held several senior positions, including deputy head and head teacher, in the past 15 years.
Most recently, he has balanced roles as a MAT director in Hampshire, UK, and as a principal within Liberty Academy Trust, a group of schools with expertise in SEND and Autism.
Parker-Tyreman said: “As someone who’s worked in and with schools for many years, I was drawn to Twinkl’s ambition to lead, facilitate and support a better learning experience for all.
“There’s a clear commitment to educators, families, and learners around the world, and the chance to shape education at this scale was both hugely appealing and incredibly motivating.
“Used well, technology is a powerful enabler for teachers and parents, from home to classroom and beyond.
“Ed-Tech will play a key role in supporting and identifying complex learner needs and achieving a personalised learning experience, but we have to start from pedagogy, not product.
“Technology should serve practitioners – not the other way around. That’s a principle I will be championing in my role at Twinkl.”
Jon Seaton, CEO and founder, added: “Our mission has always been to help those who teach, and delivering on that promise centres on us continuing to deliver trusted, transformative educational experiences.
“By strengthening our leadership team with deep expertise in both technology and education, we’re investing in the future – not just of our company, but of the sector itself.”
Independent planning consultancy, DPP Planning, has made a key promotion at its Leeds office.
Jack Waugh has been promoted to planner, having joined the business through its graduate scheme in September 2023 following his MPlan studies at the University of Sheffield.
In the past year, he has project managed multiple small-scale projects in the education and residential sectors.
On larger more complex schemes, he is assisting the team on a new training facility for Harrogate Town FC and has helped to secure a certificate of lawful proposed use or development in respect of the completion of a dwelling, for which the foundations were laid in 1947.
Gareth Hooper, CEO, said: “We are proud to be able to announce these promotions at DPP. Our team is growing in numbers, expertise, and confidence, and it is showing in the projects we are managing and the business we are winning.
“It is also great to see that DPP’s investment in our graduate scheme is also paying off with people like Jack progressing and excelling with us.
“Our independence is central to our success and continues to attract some of the most promising talent in the business to our graduate schemes.
“But it is likewise very rewarding to see those who have joined us with more experience also see the benefits of working at a consultancy like DPP and are developing and advancing their careers with us.”
