Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport today announced that it has picked a new CEO to succeed longtime executive Jeff Fegan, who’s retiring. The new guy is coming here from the Land Down Under.
After a comprehensive search process, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Board of Directors approved the designation of Sean Donohue as the next Chief Executive Officer of the Airport during its regularly scheduled board meeting today. Mr. Donohue currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Virgin Australia, headquartered in Brisbane. The appointment is subject to execution of a definitive employment contract. Mr. Donohue will succeed Jeffrey P. Fegan, who announced his retirement this past January after 29 years of service, the last 19 as CEO.
“I am honored that the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth have entrusted me with the leadership of their Airport, which is in large measure responsible for the economic vitality of the region and the state,” Mr. Donohue stated following the board’s decision. “The board, the management team, and the employees of DFW have built an inclusive culture and a record of accomplishment that creates the platform for continued innovation and success. I look forward to joining the DFW team and working with our stakeholders to assure the highest levels of customer satisfaction, operational excellence, cost competitiveness and employee engagement, which will enable the Airport to deliver on its mission for many years to come.”
I sat here for a few minutes trying to think of some joke about how he’ll have to get used to the planes flying clockwise instead of counter-clockwise, since he’s returning to the northern hemisphere, but I’m still suffering the aftereffects of having walked a mile across downtown in Texas summer heat amplified by piles of concrete, glass, and steel.
Probably best that Donohue isn’t starting the new gig until October, so he might be seduced first by our wonderfully temperate falls and winters.
