Abu Dhabi Airports appoints Dubai Airports exec as new CEO

Abu Dhabi Airports has appointed Bryan Thompson as its new CEO, it announced on Tuesday.

Thompson previously served as senior vice president – Development at Dubai Airports, where he was also involved in the strategic planning of Dubai 2020 and 2050.

Prior to joining Dubai Airports he served as the CEO of Launceston Airport, and also held senior positions at the Melbourne International Airport and Mumbai International Airport. He also worked as the Johannesburg International Airport.

Thompson comes will take on the role from Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, who has been serving as the acting CEO since mid 2016.

He took on the responsibility after Mohamed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, who was made CEO in 2015, was appointed as an advisor to the chairman.

Read more: Abu Dhabi Airports appoints new acting CEO

Thompson said: “I feel honoured to have been invited to join Abu Dhabi Airports at this remarkable time, as we prepare to unveil our ground breaking project to the world.

“My focus will be to build on the strong foundations already in place, further cementing Abu Dhabi Aiports’ role as a leading world hub and ensuring the company’s growth in constructive partnership with all relevant stakeholders.”

Abu Dhabi Airports is currently undertaking a major expansion plan, building its Dhs10.8bn ($2.94bn) Midfield Terminal.

The 742,000 square metre terminal building – initially expected to open in 2017 – will increase the airport’s capacity to 45 million passengers a year when it opens in 2019.

Read more: Abu Dhabi’s new Midfield terminal now 86 per cent complete