Aer Rianta International (ARI) has named former Morrisons Regional Managing Director Richard Gray as Chief Executive Officer at ARI Middle East (ARIME) as part of a management level restructure for the Dublin-headquartered travel retailer.

Gray brings considerable retail gravitas to his new post in Bahrain, having held several senior management retail positions in the UK in addition to his experience at Morrisons.

“It is a great privilege to take on this role and to lead the ARI Middle East region,” commented Gray.

“ARI is recognised globally for creating the best shopping experiences for customers and value for partners. I am looking forward to working with the team to lead the ARIME’s continued future success.”

AMARAL IS ARI COO

Current ARIME Chief Executive Nuno Amaral takes up the role of ARI Chief Operations Officer based in Dublin, with responsibility for the company’s global operations outside of ARIME and Ireland, championing retail performance, standards and excellence, in addition to leading ARI’s sustainability programme.

Current Chief Operations Officer Gerry Crawford has been announced as Chief Business Development and Implementation Officer.

Patricia Kenny, Chief People Officer and Pat McKenna, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer at ARIME will remain in their respective current roles as part of the ARI Executive team.

JOHN BOLAND RETIRES

The re-shuffle follows organisational changes enacted earlier this year, with former Chief Financial Officer Anthony Kenny assuming the role of Chief Commercial Officer while retaining his Deputy CEO responsibilities.

Long-standing Global Buying Director Paul Neeson was appointed Director of ARI Ireland and Colin O’Donovan joined the ARI Executive as Chief Financial Officer.

ARI Chief Executive Ray Hernan says the new changes ‘position the business for continued future success’.

In a corresponding announcement, respected travel retail executive John Boland is to retire from ARI after 30 years, effective April 2020.

Boland joined the Shannon Airport business in 1987 and has held a variety of roles during his career, including in human resources, corporate affairs and most recently leading the Global Business Development Team.

Hernan added: “John has been a valued leader at ARI, he has been instrumental in expanding the ARI business in new markets, as well as delivering major strategic projects across all five continents.

“John’s insights, shareholder management capability, stature within our industry and overall experience will be sorely missed.”