Press Release

• Spencer Sheen brought in to head up Gatwick’s 250,000 square feet of retail space
• He joins ahead of the start of a multi-million pound redevelopment of the South Terminal departure lounge

Gatwick Airport announced today that Spencer Sheen has joined the airport in a newly created role of Head of Retail, with responsibility for retail, food and beverage, bureaux and media. He reports to Guy Stephenson, Chief Commercial Officer.

Spencer takes up his post at an exciting time in Gatwick’s history. Gatwick is investing around £1 million each and every day to transform the airport and improve passengers’ experience to, through and from Gatwick - from the moment they arrive at the front door, check-in, pass through security to when they board their flight.

He also joins the airport ahead of the multi-million pound redevelopment of the South Terminal departure lounge, the first phase of which will begin in the New Year.  The investment will involve a complete reconfiguration of the lounge and is designed to deliver the best passenger experience in terms of environment and brand profile. The aim is to create a retail space comparable to the best found on the high street or in today’s modern shopping complex.

Guy Stephenson said: “I am delighted that Spencer has joined the team at Gatwick, bringing with him invaluable experience at one of the UKs most trusted and established retail brands. With his background in Marks and Spencer, Spencer knows what great retail looks like, both in terms of customer service and store environment.

“Shopping isn’t the raison d’etre at Gatwick, but our passengers view shopping and eating as a major part of their overall airport experience and Spencer will be able to help us deliver a great retail operation and environment that passengers will really enjoy.”

Spencer Sheen said: “There are some exciting changes taking place at Gatwick and the departure lounges are no exception. There are already some forward-thinking fashion and catering brands at the airport and I am keen to work with the team and our retail partners to create the very best shopping environment for our passengers.”

Spencer joins Gatwick from Marks and Spencer where he held a number of strategic and operational roles in both the UK and overseas. He started out in store management roles across the UK moving into the international side of the business working in Israel, Turkey and India.  More recently, he has worked in a senior strategic role with responsibility for property and store development planning throughout the UK and Ireland.

Gatwick retail – some interesting facts

• Gatwick contains 250,000 square feet (23,226 m2) of retail space and is home to more than 100 shops, cafes, bars and restaurants
• Around 250,000 passengers each day pass through Gatwick’s doors
• The average dwell time in the departure lounges is 70 minutes with 86% of passengers making a purchase in one of the two departure lounges
• Gatwick is located in the heart of England’s affluent South East, and over 80% of Gatwick’s passengers fall within the affluent socio-economic profiling group
• Gatwick generates sales of around £2,500 per square foot, compared with  £1,032 at Westfield (West London).

Media enquiries to
GATWICK AIRPORT PRESS OFFICE
+ 44 (0) 1293 505000
gatwickmedia@gatwickairport.com