Cork Airport operator daa names next chief executive 

Incoming daa chief executive John Coleman. 

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 earlier this year. 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. However, 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 to a seven year term and will take up the role in the new year.

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.

Chairperson of the LDA Board Cormac O’Rourke said the board thanked Mr Coleman for “his outstanding leadership of the Agency over the past eight years”.

“John leaves the LDA on a solid footing and well positioned to continue to deliver on its mission. I would like to thank John for his commitment and dedicated service to the Agency and wish him every success in his new role.”