Airport manager DAA is losing its chief executive as it struggles to resolve ongoing problems with security checks.
Alton Phillips informed the DAA board that he is to take over the role of convenience food giant Greencore as chief executive officer (CEO) after a busy summer season.
Mr. Phillips has held the DAA role for five years, and took over the reins of Greencore from Patrick Coveney, who left the company at the end of March.
DAA President Basil Geoghegan said he was “extremely sorry” for losing the CEO of “caliber and experience” to Mr Phillips.
“DAA achieved significant growth during Dalton’s tenure, resulting in record passenger numbers and a strong financial performance prior to the onset of the recent global pandemic,” said Mr. Geoghegan.
“Dalton and his leadership team navigated the DAA through the most challenging period in the history of aviation, keeping our employees and passengers safe, reducing our cost base and successfully raising €1.15 billion in additional liquidity.”
The DAA, which runs Dublin and Cork airports, has been beset by issues of overcrowding and delays in Dublin due to a lack of security staff.
Many passengers missed flights during the busy weekend in late March.
During the Easter rush, the DAA advised passengers to arrive at least three and a half hours before their departure time, although it has revised that advice.
DAA is set to deliver a new runway at Dublin Airport in the coming months and plans to invest €2bn in the business.
Mr. Phillips said he is grateful to DAA employees who have worked “during COVID, and especially in recent months, to bridge the gap between the growing demand for air travel and the restoration of our full operational capacity, next month.” Shouldered in hope”.
Gary Kennedy, executive chairman of Greencore, said Phillips is “the ideal candidate to take Greencore on the next leg of its journey as it emerges strongly from the challenges of business through the pandemic”.
A UCD graduate, Mr. Phillips was previously CEO of British grocery chain Morrisons and Irish department store Brown Thomas.
He said he is “extremely excited” about his new role.
“I know from my time as a Greencore customer that this is a business with exceptional dynamism, adaptability and ambition, and a business that is committed to the highest levels of product quality, customer service and sustainability.
“I look forward to joining their industry-leading team in September and helping them realize the significant future growth potential this business holds.”
Mr. Phillips will take over as CEO of Greencore on September 26.
