18 February 2022

Clare James MBE is Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, part of the Manchester Airports Group (MAG).

Before her appointment in July 2020, Clare held the position of Operational Excellence Director at MAG, responsible for creating centres of excellence in key functions that underpin the efficient operation of an airport, such as business strategy, security procedures, IT and business resilience.

Clare joined MAG in January 2019 from NATS where she held a number of roles, including Group Customer Account Director. In her time at NATS, Clare was responsible for the operation of Air Traffic Control across some of the UK’s busiest airports, including Manchester and London Stansted. Clare also held the post of Airfield Operations Director at Serco.

Before entering the private sector in August 2013, Clare had a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force and completed several active tours in the UK and abroad. Whilst serving in the RAF, Clare held a number of senior posts, including as the Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at RAF Brize Norton, Commanding Officer at the Central Air Traffic Control School, and Head of Regulation – a role in which she helped to establish the Military Aviation Authority.

Clare was awarded an MBE for services to the Royal Air Force in 2007.

Keeping Clare busy outside of work is her husband, Dan (who is still a serving RAF Officer), her two boys, Elliot and Jakey, and her dog Barney. She is passionate about fitness and horses and used to compete in one day eventing.