Belén Llamas, a seasoned lawyer with extensive experience in legal matters within the aviation industry, has been appointed as the new General Counsel and Company Secretary at London Gatwick Airport. This is a significant addition to the airport’s executive team, as Llamas will play a pivotal role in spearheading compliance and regulatory matters while overseeing the legal department. Her expertise will be instrumental in supporting various aspects of the business, including crucial projects like the ongoing effort to operationalize the Northern Runway.
Prior to joining London Gatwick, Llamas held the position of Head of Legal and Company Secretary at Cambodia Airports, part of the VINCI Airports network. In this role, she managed legal functions related to airport operations, regulatory affairs, and compliance. Additionally, she served as General Counsel and Company Secretary for Santiago de Chile’s international airport concessionaire, also under the VINCI Airports umbrella, where she made significant contributions to the airport’s operational launch and substantial infrastructural expansions.
Llamas brings over a decade of experience as a General Counsel and in-house counsel, having held roles at VINCI Concessions and Crédit Industriel et Commercial in Paris. This experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of legal intricacies within the aviation industry.
Upon joining London Gatwick, Llamas expressed her excitement about this new chapter in her career, stating that it is an incredibly exciting experience to join the airport at such a pivotal moment. She looks forward to collaborating with the leadership team and supporting the organization in achieving its shared goals. Her focus will be on upholding the values of prioritizing the safety and security of passengers, colleagues, and processes.
Stewart Wingate, CEO of London Gatwick, emphasized the importance of responsible growth for the business and highlighted the centrality of safety and security in all aspects of the airport’s operations. He believes that Llamas’ expertise will be crucial in navigating the complex legal and regulatory environment within which the airport operates.
Admitted to the bar in both Paris and Madrid, Llamas holds degrees in Law and Economics from Carlos III University in Madrid and a Master’s in Competition and Market Regulation from the University of Paris X Nanterre. She is proficient in Spanish, French, and English, demonstrating her global perspective and ability to communicate effectively across diverse cultures.
