Source: Aruba Airport

Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA), manager and operator of Aruba Airport, is pleased to announce the appointment of an Interim Management Team to guide the company through an ongoing strategic alignment. This decision, effective as of August 1, 2024, reflects the commitment of AAA and Royal Schiphol Group (RSG) to maintain operational stability and pursuing long-term growth.

The appointment of three interim leaders, rather than a single interim CEO, was made to ensure a balanced and effective leadership structure during this transition period. This decision stems from the strategic collaboration agreement that AAA has with RSG, wherein RSG provides the CEO for AAA and is appointed by the Government of Aruba as sole shareholder of AAA. As the current CEO’s tenure concluded on July 31, 2024, and with ongoing negotiations for a new realigned strategic collaboration agreement, it was deemed necessary to implement a robust Interim Management team. This structure allows for diverse expertise to navigate the company through this phase.

The interim management team comprises:

  • Aisha Anthony, Chief Financial Officer, brings over 15 years of experience in financial strategy at AAA.
  • Jurgen Benschop, Chief Operations Officers, known for his extensive background of more than 26 year in airport operations at AAA.
  • Barbara Brown, Chief Revenue Development & Communications Officer, with more than 27 years of commercial airport management experience at AAA.

Together, these leaders will ensure continuity and stability while driving key initiatives forward.

The search for a new CEO requires careful consideration to find the right candidate to lead the organization. Both RSG and the Supervisory Board of Directors (BOSD) of AAA are committed to this rigorous process and are working diligently to find the best fit for the role. Although a specific timeline cannot be provided for when a new CEO will be in place, AAA’s BOSD, RSG and Interim Management are dedicated to finalizing this appointment as soon as possible.

The Interim Management Team, in collaboration with the BOSD and its Shareholder, will focus on several key priorities including continuous communication, the upcoming DCAA Audit Certification, budget planning, contract implementation related to Phase 1B of the Gateway 2030 project, strategic evaluation and assessment, performance monitoring and daily operations.

“We are confident in the interim management team’s ability to lead AAA through this transitional phase,” said Gerald Tsu, Chairperson of the Board of Supervisory Directors of AAA. “Their collective expertise and strategic vision will be essential as we navigate these changes.”

“All members of the Interim Management Team have extensive experience in leadership roles at the airport and based upon our long relationship with them and the whole team at AAA we are confident that they will be able to successfully lead AAA through this interim phase” stated Kjell Kloosterziel, Director Schiphol International.

“We are honored to step into this role during such a critical time,” as stated by the Interim Management Team members of AAA. “With the support and commitment of our talented AAA team, we are committed to driving our strategic objectives and ensuring stability.”