Airport operator daa appoints new CEO
John Coleman is current chief executive of Land Development Agency
The operator of Dublin and Cork airports, daa, has appointed John Coleman as the company’s new chief executive officer. Coleman, who is currently CEO at the Land Development Agency (LDA), has been appointed for a seven-year term and will take up the role early in the new year.
As head of the LDA since 2018, he was responsible for taking the state’s affordable housing developer from concept into being one of Ireland’s principal housing development and delivery organisations, with €8.75 billion of capital capacity and over 300 people.
Prior to establishing the LDA, Coleman was chief financial officer at the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA). He joined NAMA in 2011 and held a number of senior roles during his time there. He is a graduate of University College Dublin and a chartered accountant.
DAA chairman Gary Owens said: “The Board is delighted John is joining as CEO following a comprehensive selection process. His proven track record of engaging with commercial organisations on behalf of the Irish state and seeking innovative solutions that address Ireland’s national needs is especially relevant, as is his experience of building and developing teams. 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.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express my thanks and appreciation and that of the board to Nick Cole, who has acted as deputy CEO as well as fulfilling his role as CEO of DAA International.”
John Coleman said: “I am honoured and excited to join daa at such an important point in its journey. DAA plays a unique role in Ireland’s prosperity, underpinning the economic, social and international connectivity on which our country depends. Throughout my career, I have been driven by a belief that strong infrastructure, strong institutions and strong stakeholder partnerships are essential to national progress. 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."
DAA has airport and travel retail business interests in 15 countries around the world. It's principal activities include operating Dublin and Cork airports in Ireland, global airport retailing through its subsidiary Aer Rianta International (ARI) and international aviation consultancy and investment through daa International. The company is state-owned and headquartered at Dublin Airport.
Cormac O’Rourke, chairperson of the LDA board, said: “The Board of the LDA would like to thank John for his outstanding leadership of the agency over the past eight years. John has guided the agency with energy, passion and a true sense of public service. Under his leadership, the LDA has grown from a start-up to one of Ireland’s most significant housing delivery bodies. It has earned the trust and respect of its partners in local authorities, private industry and Government. 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.”
Coleman added: “My time at the Land Development Agency has been the highlight of my career. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish an organisation focused solely on tackling one of the biggest challenges facing our country. The LDA has made great progress over the past eight years, and it has been my privilege to lead a team of people who care so deeply about what they do. The future is bright for the LDA, and the Agency is well positioned to continue playing a central role in addressing Ireland’s housing challenges. I am incredibly proud to have played a part in its story.”