CANADA. Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has named Deborah Flint (pictured left) as President and Chief Executive Officer.
She will take over the role in April 2020 following more than four years as CEO of Los Angeles World Airports and 24 years serving in executive roles in the aviation industry. Her appointment will coincide with the planned retirement of current GTAA President and CEO Howard Eng in March 2020.
“Deborah is a proven aviation executive who has been leading Los Angeles World Airports, one of the world’s largest passenger and cargo airports, through a period of significant transformation, including the development of an intermodal transit centre,” said Doug Allingham, Chair of the GTAA Board of Directors.
“The GTAA Board undertook a global search for a new leader to help guide Toronto Pearson through its next phase of growth, and we are pleased to have found a Canadian-born airport executive with the energy, passion and experience to continue on with our vision to make Toronto Pearson the best airport in the world.”
In her role at Los Angeles World Airports, which operates both Los Angeles International and Van Nuys (general aviation) airports, Ms. Flint has led the US$14 billion modernization of its terminals, runway improvements, and a comprehensive transit programme that includes roadway improvements and an intermodal transportation facility.
“In the world of international airports, Toronto Pearson is a rising and notable star, known for its significant accomplishments on passenger service, growth in passenger traffic, and its leadership in working with both industry and community partners to take a regional perspective on the role a mega-hub airport plays in lifting those around it,” said Ms. Flint. “As a Canadian-born airport executive, I consider it a privilege to be able to return home to lead this organisation and ensure it continues to deliver benefits to all of our stakeholders.”
As a leader within the international and US aviation community, Ms. Flint serves as a member of the Airports Council International board, is an appointee to the US DOT Drone Advisory Committee, and Chair of the Oversight Committee of the Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program. Beyond the airport industry, she has served on the Board of the Federal Reserve Bank and is a Director of the Honeywell Corporation.
Howard Eng led Toronto Pearson from 2012 and oversaw a period of record passenger growth, a strong focus on customer service and a dramatic expansion of the airport’s retail and service offerings.
“After nearly 40 years running airports around the world, Howard’s retirement is a bittersweet moment in the history of Toronto Pearson,” said Allingham. “We will continue to benefit from his dedication for years to come, as we reap the benefits of the decisions that he made over his eight-year term at Canada’s busiest airport.”
*A major report on the consumer and commercial transformation of Toronto Pearson, to be published by The Moodie Davitt Report, will appear soon.
