BAA Gatwick has appointed Sean Horkan as general manager of the North Terminal.

He replaces Simon Gandy, who has moved to Heathrow as general manager for connections and baggage.

A civil engineering graduate from Surrey University, Mr Horkan joined the BAA graduate programme in 1988 and worked his way up through the company in a variety of roles at the three London airports.

He worked on a number of projects based at Gatwick and has experience in a number of areas, including commercial property, facilities planning, terminal development and airfield operations.

Mr Horkan's principal role is to lead a team which will ensure the commercial success of the North Terminal, while balancing the needs of the passengers, airlines and businesses.

He said: "The position of general manager of a terminal was always one to aspire to."