Kenny Jacobs and DAA agree exit package for boss of Cork and Dublin airports

Requires ministerial approval but would see Jacobs remain with the company until the New Year

Cork native Kenny Jacobs has led the DAA since January 2023. Picture: Denis Minihane.

An exit package has been agreed between Kenny Jacobs and Cork and Dublin airports operator DAA, which will see the chief executive depart the semi-state company.

Mediation between both sides had been taking place in recent weeks to resolve a rift between Jacobs and the board. The exit package will have to be approved by the Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien and the Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers. 

The Irish Examiner understands that under the agreement, the departure of Mr Jacobs would not be immediate and that he would remain in the role until the New Year.

The discussions accelerated this week ahead of a scheduled board meeting of DAA at Cork Airport on Friday. The DAA said they had no comment on the matter.

The possible departure of Mr Jacobs comes at a critical time for the company. Dublin Airport has been involved in a lengthy process to remove a 32m annual passenger cap, embarking on lengthy legal and planning processes.

The Minister for Transport recently indicated the Government would initiate legislation to permanently remove the cap to allow the airport to grow.

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.