The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), which manages both Dublin and Cork airports, has announced the appointment of a deputy CEO, following months of tension between the company’s CEO, Kenny Jacobs, and its board of directors.
Nick Cole, currently CEO of DAA International, will take on the newly created role of deputy CEO while retaining his existing responsibilities. The organisation informed staff of the appointment on Friday, though a spokesperson declined to comment on the details of the ongoing dispute between Mr Jacobs and the board.
Reports indicate that legal correspondence has been exchanged between both parties, reflecting the intensity of the stand-off. The leadership conflict has unfolded against the backdrop of an agreed exit package for Mr Jacobs in mid-September, which has yet to receive approval from Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. In the meantime, Mr Jacobs continues to carry out his CEO duties.
The decision to create the deputy CEO role appears aimed at strengthening the executive team while the leadership situation remains unresolved. Mr Cole’s appointment comes at a critical time for the DAA, as the authority continues to navigate post-pandemic recovery, expanding passenger volumes, and evolving operational challenges at Ireland’s busiest airports.
Sources familiar with the organisation say the appointment could help stabilize operations and provide additional leadership capacity, though the precise implications for Mr Jacobs’ position remain unclear. Staff and industry observers have been monitoring the situation closely, given the strategic importance of the DAA for Ireland’s transport infrastructure and aviation sector.
Mr Cole, who has led DAA International for several years, brings extensive experience in airport management and international operations. In his new capacity, he will support the executive team in overseeing day-to-day operations while contributing to long-term strategic initiatives for both Dublin and Cork airports.
The leadership dispute has highlighted the complexity of governance arrangements in state-influenced organisations. While internal discussions and legal exchanges continue, the DAA faces the challenge of maintaining operational continuity and staff confidence amid uncertainty at the top level.
The creation of the deputy CEO role, coupled with Mr Cole’s appointment, signals the authority’s commitment to reinforcing its management structure. Analysts say that, regardless of the outcome of the dispute, the move provides an additional layer of executive support and ensures that key strategic projects and airport operations remain on track.
The DAA’s board and Mr Jacobs are expected to continue negotiations regarding the CEO’s exit package and future leadership arrangements, with the matter awaiting ministerial approval. In the meantime, both Dublin and Cork airports continue to operate at full capacity, serving millions of passengers annually and playing a pivotal role in Ireland’s aviation and tourism sectors.
