IRELAND/INTERNATIONAL. Irish and international travel retailer Aer Rianta International (ARI) today announced several changes to its Executive Team.
After three decades of service, Director – Global Business Development John Boland has decided to retire from ARI, with effect from April 2020. The much-respected Boland joined the business in Shannon in 1987 and has held several key roles across human resources, corporate affairs and global business development.
“John has been a valued leader at ARI; he has been instrumental in expanding the ARI business in new markets, as well as delivering major strategic projects across all five continents,” said ARI Chief Executive Ray Hernan. “John’s insights, shareholder management capability, stature within our industry and overall experience will be sorely missed.”
Gerry Crawford, another highly regarded travel retail veteran, who is currently Chief Operations Officer, will assume the position of Chief Business Development and Implementation Officer. The company commented: “This pivotal role in ARI takes full advantage of Gerry’s in-depth travel retail expertise gained over the last 25 years in the industry and will ensure that ARI continues to take full advantage of business opportunities.”
Nuno Amaral, currently based in Bahrain as ARI Middle East (ARIME) Chief Executive Officer, will take up the position of Chief Operations Officer based in Dublin, Ireland. In his new role, Amaral will have specific responsibility for ARI’s global operations outside of ARIME and Ireland. He will continue to drive the business focus on retail performance, standards and excellence as well as leading ARI’s sustainability programme.
Hernan also announced a further new appointment to the ARI Executive Team, with former Morrisons Regional Managing Director Richard Gray replacing Amaral as ARIME Chief Executive Officer. Gray will be based in the company’s Bahrain office. In addition to his role at supermarket chain Morrisons, Gray previously held several senior management retail positions in the UK and brings with him a strong reputation for customer focus, retail excellence and innovation, ARI noted.
“It is a great privilege to take on this role and to lead the ARI Middle East region,” Gray said. “ARI is recognised globally for creating the best shopping experiences for customers and value for partners. I am looking forward to working with the team to lead ARIME’s continued future success.”
Today’s announcement follows organisational changes ARI made in May of this year. Those saw Anthony Kenny, previously Chief Financial Officer, move to a new role as Chief Commercial Officer, while also retaining his Deputy CEO responsibilities; Paul Neeson appointed Director of ARI Ireland – a move from his previous role as Global Buying Director; and Colin O’Donovan join the ARI Executive as Chief Financial Officer.
ARI Chief People Officer Patricia Kenny and ARIME Deputy CEO and CFO Pat McKenna will continue in their current roles and as part of the ARI Executive Team.
