Candace McGraw becomes first female chair of ACI World Governing Board

Candace McGraw, CEO of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), has become the first female chair of ACI World.

McGraw will head the ACI World Governing Board  (WGB) that consists of  28 leading airport CEOs nominated by the regional ACI Boards, plus the Immediate past chair.

The ACI WGB directs the organisation through strategic discussions on key subjects for airport operators that reflect the concerns and interests of ACI members for the benefit of travellers and communities worldwide.

Her appointment was approved at the ACI World Annual General Assembly in Barcelona in June 2023, and she will hold the post until December 2025.

McGraw has been involved in the ACI WGB since 2018 and has been ACI World Vice Chair since January 2022, succeeding Sheik Aimen bin Al Hosni, CEO of Oman Airports.

Talking about her appointment, McGraw said: “I am honoured to serve as chair of the ACI World Governing Board. I thank Sheik Aimen bin Al Hosni, our Immediate past chair, for his leadership these past several years. Nothing is more important to me than the future of this industry.

“Whether thinking about the long-term needs of ACI, how we can be a strong partner in the global aviation industry, or what we can do to accelerate the adoption of practices to ensure sustainable aviation, we are stronger as one.

“I commit to lead our World Governing Board with a sense of purpose and collaboration and appreciate the trust that has been placed in me.”

While ACI World director general, Luis Felipe de Oliveira, said: “We are thrilled to welcome ACI World’s new chair, Candace McGraw.

“Guided by her vision, we are confident that our organisation will chart a course towards a bright future and unlock new horizons in our mission to elevate the interests of airports worldwide.

“Our industry faces a crossroad, a balancing act between soaring demand for air travel and the urgent need for sustainable aviation.

“She is the first woman to chair of ACI World and we are very pround of that considering her brilliant career and contribution to the ACI federation. With the grace of Ms McGraw’s leadership, we are poised to emerge triumphant, steadfast in our pursuit of success.”

McGraw became CEO of CVG in July 2011 and has over 30 years’ experience in aviation, legal affairs, and public administration.

Since joining CVG, McGraw has focused on positioning the airport for the future by completing a 2035 Master Plan Study; consolidating operations into a renovated terminal facility; diversifying revenues through targeted cargo, land and concessions improvements; and finalising modernised use agreements.

The airport is recognised as one of the most efficient and fastest-growing cargo airports in the US, and is home to both Amazon Air’s primary US Hub and DHL Express’ Global Superhub for the Americas.

In 2022, CVG witnessed the largest cargo volume growth (+16.8%) amongst the Top 20 busiest airports for total cargo.

She is active in the local community as well as the aviation industry, championing issues related to gender parity, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), leadership, and workforce development.

As of January 2024, Jost Lammers, CEO of Munich Airport, succeeds McGraw as ACI World’s new vice chair, also for a two-year term running until December 2025.