New airport and industry appointments in 2026

ACI World has officially welcomed Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, as the chair of its World Governing Board (WGB) for the 2026–2027 term.

Lammers succeeds Candace McGraw, the now retired CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), who completed her tenure as ACI World’s first woman chair, after guiding the organisation through a period of strong global advocacy and strategic advancement.

The ACI World Governing Board is composed of 28 airport CEOs nominated by ACI’s five regions. The Board provides strategic direction on airport policy, operational priorities, sustainability, and innovation on behalf of airports worldwide.

Lammers enthused: “It is an honour for me to serve as the chair of the ACI World Governing Board. My dedication is focused on strengthening ACI’s leadership role on the global stage.

“By uniting strong advocacy, effective governance, and collaboration with global partners, we can ensure airports evolve as innovative, sustainable, and people-focused organisations, enhancing their role as vital hubs of mobility and economic growth.”

In other news, the Port of Seattle has named Wendy Reiter as the new managing director of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Over the last 35 years Reiter has held key management roles with airports and airlines in Seattle and in the Midwest.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s executive director, Rick Cotton, is retiring in January 2026. His 8.5-year tenure made him the longest serving executive director of the Port Authority since the 1940s.

Jonny Andersen officially took over the role as CEO of Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport in January 2026.

Aviation and logistics veteran Cor de Man will become CEO of Maastricht Aachen Airport in the Netherlands on February 1, 2026.

Colombia Metropolitan Airport in South Carolina has a new president and CEO, Chris White, to took up the role on January 5.

Heathrow Airport Holdings Ltd has appointed Philip Jansen as its new chairman, succeeding Lord Paul Deighton who stepped down at the end of 2025.

Laura Inttilä has been appointed senior vice president of Helsinki Airport and a member of the Finavia Executive Group.

London Gatwick has a new chief technical officer, Mathieu Boutitie, who moves to the UK from a similar position with Kansai Airports Group in Japan. He succeeds Cedric Laurier who has rejoined VINCI Airports in Paris, following a successful six years at London Gatwick.

And Aberdeen Airport in the UK has announced the internal appointment of Robert Paterson as its new operations director.