Remembering Helen Dean (05/09/1989 – 05/06/2023)

The Helen Dean Graduate Future Leadership Development programme is named in memory of one of Heathrow’s finest colleagues. 

Helen joined Heathrow’s graduate programme in 2013, ready and determined to make the most of every opportunity on offer. Exceptionally bright, curious and ambitious with a quiet confidence, she was the ultimate team player from the get-go, always willing to help and support others.

She was a fast learner, with a huge capacity for work and the ability to make complex issues seem simple. Her early days on the graduate programme at Heathrow were spent in rotations in Terminal 3 Operations, IT and Capacity Planning before moving to Expansion where she ran the client office, and later moving to the Strategy team.

Helen was the first of Heathrow’s graduates to be promoted to Director level, and probably the youngest in the history of the company. Her rapid progression through the business was an inspiration; not just in terms of what she achieved but how she achieved it.

Helen took to management naturally, quickly building a highly capable team. She was superbly organised and a thoroughly effective communicator, unafraid to challenge at senior levels. She was reflective and always open to constructive challenge herself, and respected as a trusted confidant and expert. Committed, loyal, passionate and funny, she had real authority when she spoke which made everyone want to listen.

Helen had exceptional analytical skills and was pioneering. This was evidenced during the pandemic, building a forecasting model to cope with the unprecedented uncertainty of travel. Through this period, she managed the engagement with the Exec Committee, the Board, with airlines and Civil Aviation Authority.  Her calm manner, and ability to deal with multiple challenges whilst remaining positive and not losing her sense of humour was impressive. Helen was courageous and took decisions that helped to protect the business through the most difficult period in Heathrow’s history.

Helen’s strong values and love of Heathrow and its people shone brightly. Her achievements were testament to her strength of character, fearless integrity and ability to collaborate and get the best from people. She supported community projects and Heathrow’s gender equality network.

She is remembered as kind, patient and encouraging, for finding opportunities for colleagues to grow and excel, and challenging them to go beyond their expectations, asking, “What’s stopping you?”

Helen was an outstanding colleague and much-loved friend whose legacy lives on in the many people who had the privilege of working with her, and all those that continue to be inspired.