Concessions International Appoints New CIO
Russell Family Enterprises has appointed Julian Thomas as chief information and technology officer for both H.J. Russell & Company and Concessions International. Thomas will oversee the firms’ technology strategy, aligning digital initiatives with business objectives to boost growth and efficiency. The appointment follows his tenure as founder of Triple‑E Advisory Service and senior roles at McKesson, Hubbell and PGA Tour Superstore. In a LinkedIn post, he emphasized a focus on risk‑managed technology investments.
DEN Unveils New Food Court
Denver International Airport has opened a new food court in Concourse A, operated by Skyport Hospitality and ACDBE partner Concessions of a Gladman. The venue features Denver‑based Fat Sully’s Pizza alongside national chains QDOBA, Chick‑fil‑A and Shake Shack. DEN CEO Phil Washington...
COS Opens Colorado Craft
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) has launched a new post‑security dining outpost called Colorado Craft, developed in partnership with SSP America. The eatery showcases chef‑driven dishes and a curated selection of regional beer, wine, and spirits, emphasizing Colorado’s local flavors. Airport...
BWI Partners With Assistive Technology Firm
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) announced a partnership with Towson‑based ReBokeh Vision Technologies to offer free, unlimited navigation assistance for blind and low‑vision passengers. ReBokeh’s AI‑driven mobile app uses the phone’s camera and custom filters to guide travelers through...
Paradies Lagardère Taps Andrews As CFO
Paradies Lagardère announced the appointment of Will Andrews as its chief financial officer. Andrews, a former senior vice president at ed‑tech firm Risepoint, also held senior finance roles at The Home Depot and spent time in investment banking. He will...
PPG Taps Pateman As Senior VP North America
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has appointed Eric Pateman as senior vice president for North America. Pateman previously served as chief experience officer at Vancouver International Airport and has advised governments, cities, and Fortune 500 companies while running several businesses. His blend...
Off The Page: Concessions Leaders Discuss Challenges During AXC Roundtable
Airport concession CEOs convened at the 2026 Airport Experience Conference to flag mounting labor costs, aggressive union demands, and the limits of passing wage hikes to passengers. They highlighted the rise of AI and technology as partial mitigants, but noted...
DAL Deputy Director Hughes To Retire
Sheneice M. Hughes is retiring as deputy director of finance, people and culture for aviation at Dallas Love Field after 13 years in the airport and 26 years with the City of Dallas. She launched the Airport Communications Center, secured...
AVL Releases Public Art RFQ
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) has issued a Request for Qualifications to commission permanent public‑art installations as part of its AVL Forward terminal modernization. The airport seeks artists for two large‑scale works—one in the grand hall and another in the airside...
HMSHost Wins JAX Food Hall Contract
Jacksonville Aviation Authority awarded HMSHost (Avolta) a 15‑year contract to design, build and operate the 5,000‑square‑foot Oak & Ocean Food Hall in the new Concourse B at Jacksonville International Airport. The food hall, slated for completion by December 2026, will feature national chains Chick‑fil‑A,...
ACI-NA’s Burke To Retire By Year End
Kevin Burke, president and CEO of Airports Council International‑North America (ACI‑NA), will retire later in 2026 after more than a decade at the helm. During his tenure, ACI‑NA secured roughly $20 billion in federal pandemic relief and another $20 billion for major...
SCDA Taps Barrett As Assistant Director Of Airports
The Sacramento County Department of Airports (SCDA) appointed Harry Barrett, Jr. as assistant director of airports, effective May 26. Barrett brings a diverse background that includes executive leadership at Palm Springs International Airport, municipal management at Renton, and safety roles at...
SAN Promotes Reed To VP And COO
The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority appointed Brendan Reed as vice president and chief operations officer of San Diego International Airport, effective March 25. Reed previously served as senior director of operational planning and readiness and director of airport planning...
CLT Taps Perry As COO
The City of Charlotte has appointed Jeffrey Perry as chief operating officer of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Perry previously served as COO of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority and held several senior roles, including airport operations director for Charlotte....
Doctor Who Walked LA Appears At LAX
Los Angeles International Airport hosted a book signing for Dr. Roy Meals, an orthopedic surgeon who authored *Walking the Line: Discoveries Along the Los Angeles City Limits*. The event, organized by ASUR Airports, Hudson Booksellers and Book Soup, took place...
