daa has appointed John Coleman as its new chief executive on a seven-year term, the company announced. Coleman, who has served as chief executive of the Land Development Agency (LDA) since 2018, will take up the role early in the new year and will be responsible for the operator’s airport and international businesses.
Leadership change at Ireland’s state-owned airport operator
Coleman replaces Kenny Jacobs, who left daa in February after a period of suspension and subsequent legal action that was later settled. Since Jacobs’s departure, deputy chief executive Nick Cole has been overseeing daa’s operations while retaining his duties as CEO of daa International.
The announcement emphasises Coleman’s public-sector and financial background: before 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.
“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.” — John Coleman
daa’s chairman Gary Owens highlighted Coleman’s experience working with commercial organisations on behalf of the Irish state and his familiarity with planning and regulatory systems as relevant to the operator’s long-term development plans for Dublin Airport and Cork Airport.
Scope of the role
As chief executive, Coleman will oversee:
- the operation and development of Dublin Airport (DUB) and Cork Airport (ORK)
- the company’s global travel retail arm, Aer Rianta International (ARI)
- daa’s international consultancy and investment activities through daa International
The company is state-owned and headquartered at Dublin Airport. daa also holds airport and travel retail interests in 15 countries.
Background and context
Coleman has led the LDA since 2018. His prior roles at NAMA and elsewhere were cited in daa’s announcement as evidence of his track record in engaging with commercial organisations on behalf of the Irish state and of his ability to navigate complex planning and regulatory systems — capabilities the board said will be valuable as daa advances its long-term development plans.
| Position | Organisation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chief executive | daa | Seven-year term; starts early in the new year |
| Previous role | Land Development Agency (LDA) | Chief executive since 2018 |
| Prior finance role | National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) | Chief financial officer; joined in 2011 |
The appointment comes as daa seeks to progress plans for the long-term development of its core airports and to continue connecting Ireland with international markets. The board said Coleman’s experience of building and developing teams was an additional asset for the business as it plans future growth.
