Talks to resolve rift between Kenny Jacobs and DAA board

Airport operator said Jacobs is and remains CEO

Cork native and former Ryanair executive Kenny Jacobs has led the Daa since January 2023.

Discussions are taking place this week, aiming to resolve a rift between DAA Chief Executive Kenny Jacobs and the board of the semi-state company which runs Cork and Dublin airports.

It is understood that talks are taking place between the legal representatives of Mr Jacobs and the board. The talks could potentially result in the Cork native departing the organisation he has led for almost three years.

A scheduled board meeting of DAA will take place in Cork on Friday. However, DAA has said Mr Jacobs remains the CEO of the company.

"DAA does not comment on rumour or speculation, and nothing should be inferred from this," a spokesperson said. "Kenny Jacobs is and remains the DAA CEO. We cannot comment on Board matters, which are confidential."

The former chief marketing officer of Ryanair, Jacobs took up the role of DAA CEO in January 2023 following the departure of Dalton Philips to Greencore. His appointment was for a seven-year term. He has been credited with steering the company to further growth as the aviation sector emerged from the impact of the covid pandemic lockdowns and passenger numbers grew.

He has expanded the retail offering at both airports and has been active in trying to resolve the passenger cap that is currently in place for Dublin Airport.

Speaking to RTE radio this morning, the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, said the issue was a matter for the board. "I know that that's being worked through, and I just hope it comes to an agreed resolution," he said.