Kenny Jacobs was appointed CEO of DAAs Succeeded in a 7-year term Dalton Phillipsleft the airport authority for sandwich maker Greencore in September
A native of Cork, he has extensive experience in marketing, commercial and operations with large consumer service companies, having served as Chief Marketing Officer for over six years at Ryanair.
He has also worked for major companies such as Metro Group, MoneySuperMarket and Tesco in Ireland and the UK.
“I am delighted to be taking on this role at an important time for DAA. We look forward to moving forward with our growth plans,” said Jacobs.
“I believe everyone at the DAA plays a key role in supporting inbound tourism, providing connectivity to businesses in an open island economy and fulfilling the Irish consumer’s love of travel. I know directly that
“My focus is on providing efficient travel experiences for consumers using airports, supporting increased traffic, and promoting national strategies both domestically and internationally as key economic enablers in terms of trade, tourism and social cohesion. It’s about building on DAA’s extensive experience operating infrastructure.”
Nationally owned DAA operates both Dublin and Cork airports and has a global airport retail business through its subsidiaries. Air Lianta Internationaland international aviation consulting and investment through DAA International.
Basil Geoghegan, the president of the DAA said: He brings unique knowledge of the aviation and retail business and understands the importance of excellent customer service, commercial growth, retail, marketing and communications.
“He has a proven track record of putting customers at the center of his business and delivering excellent service. His leadership, expertise and experience are integral to our operations at Dublin and Cork airports, ARI and DAA International. Kenny is eager to engage with customers, employees and other stakeholders and support the implementation of the new DAA’s corporate strategy during his tenure.
“I know Kenny will have a significant positive impact on our employees and our business both domestically and internationally. I think. Catherine Gavins, served as interim CEO of daa and served as CFO during the transition. ”
In its September 2021 trading update, the DAA said group sales were down 79% in the seven months to July 2021 compared to the same period in 2019.
DAA lost €103.2 million in 2021 after losing €187.4 million in 2020. Both years were heavily impacted by air travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic.
The Group had a turnover of €324.1 million and a net worth of €908 million. The company employs approximately 2,800 people.
At the September 2021 trading update, after accounting for government support, the Group’s operating costs are c. 54% compared to the same period in 2019. Total net debt at July 2021 was EUR 940 million.
Group liquidity is approximately €1.05 billion, including unused syndicated revolving credit facilities of €450 million and cash of €600 million.
