DAA chief resigns after busy summer season

Airport manager DAA loses its chief executive as it struggles to resolve ongoing security checkpoint issues.

Alton Philips told the DAA board that he was stepping down after a busy summer season to take on a role as chief executive officer (CEO) of convenience food giant Greencore.

Mr. Philips has held the DAA role for five years and is taking over the reins of Greencore from Patrick Coveney, who left the company at the end of March.

DAA chairman Basil Geoghegan said he was “very sorry” for losing a CEO of Mr Philips’ “caliber and experience”.

“DAA had achieved significant growth under Dalton’s tenure, resulting in record passenger numbers and strong financial performance prior to the onset of the recent global pandemic,” said Mr. Geoghegan.

“Dalton and his leadership team have navigated DAA through the most challenging time in aviation history, protecting our employees and passengers, lowering our cost base and successfully raising €1.15 billion in additional liquidity.”

DAA, which operates Dublin and Cork airports, has been plagued by problems with overcrowding and delays in Dublin due to a lack of security staff.

On a busy weekend in late March, some passengers missed their flight.

During the Easter rush, DAA advised passengers to arrive at least three and a half hours before their departure time, although it has since revised that advice.

DAA will deliver a new runway at Dublin Airport in the coming months and plans to invest €2bn in the deal.

Mr Philips said he was grateful to DAA staff who have “taken the helm throughout Covid and particularly in recent months to bridge the gap between rising demand for air travel and the restoration of our full operational capacity expected over the next month.” will to close”.

Greencore Chief Executive Gary Kennedy said Mr. Philips is “the ideal candidate to lead Greencore into the next phase of its journey as it continues to emerge strongly from the commerce challenges of the pandemic.”

Mr Philips, a UCD graduate, was previously CEO of UK grocery chain Morrisons and Irish department store Brown Thomas.

He said he was “very excited” about his new role.

“From my time as a Greencore customer, I know this is a company of exceptional dynamism, adaptability and ambition, committed to the highest product quality, customer service and sustainability.

“I am very excited to join their industry-leading team in September and help realize the significant future growth potential I see for this business.”

Mr. Philips will assume the position of CEO of Greencore on September 26th.