Jack MacGowan, who steps down at the end of the month, has been at the helm of ARI since July 2011.

Aer Rianta International (ARI) has announced that Jack MacGowan is to end his tenure as Chief Executive Officer.

In a statement, ARI says MacGowan will step down at the end of the month to pursue a new opportunity.

Current ARI Chief Financial Officer Anthony Kenny has been appointed Acting CEO.

MacGowan has been CEO of the thriving global travel retail business and daa subsidiary since July 2011.

Anthony Kenny has been named Acting CEO.

KEY WINS AND RENEWALS

Under his stewardship, ARI has driven an ambitious programme of strategic growth, notably in the Middle East and Pacific regions.

Aside completing its largest ever acquisition with a 50% stake in the Cypriot travel retail business CTC-ARI, ARI has picked up key contract wins in locations including Abu Dhabi, Indonesia, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, while retaining existing concessions in Oman and Beirut.

Commenting on the announcement, daa Chief Executive Dalton Philips said: “Although I have only worked with Jack for the past seven months, I know that he has had a huge impact on our business, both with ARI and before that, as daa’s Chief Commercial Officer.

“ARI is a hugely important part of the wider daa family and during this period of change, I and the other members of my team will be working closely with the ARI management team, our partners overseas, our staff and our suppliers to ensure a seamless transition both in Ireland and overseas.”