Cork Airport gets new boss as daa names Jacobs' successor

Cork Airport operator Daa has announced that the head of the Land Development Agency (LDA) John Coleman will become the new chief executive of the aviation group in the new year.

The former chief executive of Daa, Kenny Jacobs, stepped down from his position in February. Mr Jacobs had been suspended from Daa in the previous December pending an investigation into allegations made against him.

However, Mr Jacobs subsequently launched a High Court action seeking to return to his job and declarations that the Daa board had prejudged his removal from office. The case was later settled and Mr Jacobs voluntarily stepped down after agreeing terms.

The deputy chief executive of Daa Nick Cole has been overseeing operations while the board searched for a permanent replacement for Mr Jacobs.

In an announcement on Tuesday, the board of the DAA said Mr Coleman has been appointed on a seven year term.

Since 2018, Mr Coleman has been the chief executive of the LDA. Prior to establishing the LDA, he was chief financial officer at the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) which he joined in 2011. He is a graduate of University College Dublin and a chartered accountant. Chairman of Daa Gary Owens said Mr Coleman has a “proven track record of engaging with commercial organisations on behalf of the Irish state and seeking innovative solutions that address Ireland’s national needs”.

“His familiarity with navigating complex planning and regulatory systems will also be of great value to DAA as we progress our plans for the long-term development of Dublin and Cork airports.”

Speaking on his appointment, Mr Coleman said “I feel privileged to be joining the talented and dedicated team at Daa as we unlock the next phase of growth, strengthen our position as a world-class airports and international aviation business, and continue connecting Ireland with opportunity for decades to come.”

As part of the position, Mr Coleman will oversee Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, the company’s international division as well as its retail business Aer Rianta International (ARI).

The company is state-owned and headquartered at Dublin Airport.

The LDA is expected to begin the search for a new permanent chief executive in the coming weeks.