Abu Dhabi is learning from Dubai. A former Dubai Airport VP in charge of corporate development is now the new CEO of Abu Dhabi airports. Bryan Thompson brings with him more than 25 years of international experience in various areas of airport management and operations, including ANS, terminal operations, strategy and planning, in addition to infrastructure and corporate development. In his previous role as Senior Vice President – Development at Dubai Airports, Mr. Thompson led the development of Dubai International Airport as well as Dubai World Central. In addition, he was involved in the strategic planning of Dubai 2020 and 2050.
Prior to joining Dubai Airports Mr. Thompson served in a number of key executive roles across the Asia and Pacific regions. He was the Chief Executive Officer of Launceston Airport, General Manager of Strategy, Planning and Development and General Manager of Assets and Infrastructure Planning at Melbourne International Airport.
Prior to this, Mr. Thompson held the positions of Director of Airport Operations and VP Terminal Management at Mumbai International Airport.
Mr. Thompson started his career in the aviation industry as a Principal Air Traffic Controller, and later on he was appointed as Assistant GM for Airport Operations at Johannesburg International Airport.
Mr. Thompson holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Strategy and Finance from the University of South Africa.
His Excellency Abubaker Seddiq Al Khouri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Bryan Thompson to lead to Abu Dhabi Airports at this critical stage in our journey to becoming the world’s leading airport group. I am confident that his vast experience and excellent leadership will take Abu Dhabi Airports beyond the delivery and opening of one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure projects and on towards further establishing Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice for tourism, business travel and transit.”
Bryan Thompson said: “I feel honored to have been invited to join Abu Dhabi Airports at this remarkable time, as we prepare to unveil our ground breaking project to the world and further highlight everything our unique brand of Arabian hospitality has to offer. My focus will be to build on the strong foundations already in place, further cementing Abu Dhabi Aiports’ role as a leading world hub and ensuring the company’s growth in constructive partnership with all relevant stakeholders.”
