USA. Ontario International Airport Authority in Southern California has named highly experienced airport and travel retail industry figure and aviation consultant Dan Cappell as Chief Commercial Officer, effective from 9 December.
In his most recent role as an aviation consultant with Leigh Fisher Management Consultants, Cappell worked with airports in Baltimore, Denver, Phoenix and Charlotte, as well as Ontario International and Orange County’s John Wayne Airport in California.
Cappell played a leading role in the development of airport business plans, concession plans and strategic advertising opportunities.
Ontario International Airport Authority CEO Mark Thorpe said: “We have had the benefit of Dan’s expertise and experience in his capacity as a consultant, so he is no stranger to all we’ve accomplished as well as our vision for Ontario as a first-rate international aviation gateway. He is keenly aware of what it takes to develop successful airports, and we look forward to the added value his many talents will bring to Ontario.”
Deputy CEO Atif Elkadi added: “Dan takes on his new role at a particularly exciting time for Ontario as the airport posts strong, steady gains in passenger volume and serves as a major cargo hub in the highly competitive Southern California market. His experience and know-how will add greatly to our team of dedicated professionals.”
Cappell commented: “I am honoured to be joining the executive team at Ontario and contribute to the vision for growth as defined by the CEO and the board. Ontario has a dynamic and forward-thinking executive team, with incredibly exciting plans for the airport’s growth over the next ten years. I can’t wait to get started.”
Cappell, born in the UK, is one of the few industry executives to have worn all three Trinity hats – supplier, retailer and airport operator. His senior roles before moving to the USA included Acting Chief Commercial Officer of Abu Dhabi Airports, General Manager Retail & Car Parks at Melbourne Airport, General Manager Operations for Aer Rianta International-Middle East, Deputy Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Duty Free and In Flight Catering and General Manager of Néstle International Travel Retail.
