DFW boss Sean Donohue to retire early next year

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has announced that CEO, Sean Donohue, is to retire after 11 years in the hot seat at the Texas gateway and a 40-year career in aviation.

Since joining DFW in 2013, he has overseen significant growth and development, strengthening DFW’s position as a key transportation hub that connects the North Texas region to more than 250 destinations on five continents.

His leadership helped shape DFW’s strategic vision, enhancing its operational efficiency, customer service and economic impact.

Donohue (centre) at the World Economic Forum in Davos nine months ago.

During his tenure as its chief executive, DFW grew to become the third-busiest airport in the world; became the world’s largest and North America’s first carbon-neutral airport; and increased the airport’s economic influence to support more than $38 billion in annual payroll, 634,000 jobs and generate $5 billion in local and state taxes each year.

“It’s with mixed emotions that I have decided the time has come to pass the torch at DFW and begin a new chapter in my own life, after four decades of service to the aviation industry,” said Donohue.

“Aviation has taken me to nearly every corner of the world and led me to the great privilege of overseeing the best airport in the business.”

Paying tribute to Donohue, Dallas Mayor, Eric Johnson, stated: “Around the world, DFW Airport is known among the best in the aviation industry, and that reputation has been earned in no small part due to the steadfast leadership of CEO Sean Donohue.

“The City of Dallas commends Sean on his decade-long tenure at DFW, and for the growth and prosperity that DFW has created for our city, region and communities. I wish him well in retirement and I know that he leaves the airport in a position of strength as we move into DFW’s next chapter.”

While his counterpart in Fort Worth, mayor Mattie Parker, said: “Sean Donohue is a remarkable leader who has pushed DFW airport to even greater heights during his decade-long tenure as CEO of one of the world’s most successful airports.

“His dedication has left a lasting impact on Fort Worth, North Texas, and the airport itself. I thank him for his outstanding service and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement, knowing that DFW Airport’s future is bright, thanks to the foundation he built.”

The DFW Airport Board of Directors will initiate a global search for Donohue’s successor.