The board of Ireland West Airport Knock has announced that Joe Kennedy is retiring from his position as chairman of the airport’s board after a period of six and a half years and that Liam Scollan, former group managing director, will succeed Mr Kennedy as the board’s new chairman.
The decision was made at a meeting of the airport’s board on Monday January 19. The board, in accepting Mr Kennedy’s decision, is pleased that Mr Kennedy is committed to remaining on the board for the foreseeable future as Honorary President and will continue to offer his support to the airport. Mr Kennedy joined the board in 2002 and was elected chairman that year.
In announcing his decision Mr Kennedy said he was delighted to have been of service to the people of the west of Ireland and he thanked his fellow board members, management and staff at the airport, as well as the public at large, for the steadfast support which they given him. “I am overwhelmed and honoured by the board’s continued support of me and their appointment of me as honorary president. I am very, very, pleased that Liam Scollan will succeed me as the new chairman of the board. His heart is in the right place and his expertise and commitment to growing the airport and working with all the stakeholders involved, I am sure, will continue well into the future.”
Commenting on the decision, Des Mahon, Mayo county manager, airport board member, and chairman of the Horan International Airport Trust, said: “In accepting Joe’s decision to retire as chairman of Ireland West Airport Knock, the board is deeply indebted to him for the many years of great leadership and his total commitment to developing and expanding the airport.”
The incoming chairman Mr Scollan said Mr Kennedy’s chairmanship marked a time of growth which has laid the foundation for the strong company which exists today. “Like all other businesses we face tough challenges and I am heartened by the unity and strength of all involved around me at the airport. I am looking forward with relish to my new role and of being of further service to this airport and the region.”
Robert Grealis, CEO, added: “Under Joe’s stewardship as chairman, the airport has developed dramatically over the last six years, culminating in 2008 being a record year for passenger numbers and routes. There is no doubt that this would not have been possible without Joe at the helm and I will always be very grateful for the advice, direction, and support he has given to me and the airport team. I am delighted that Liam has been appointed chairman and on behalf of the management and the staff we extend our sincere congratulations to him and his family on this wonderful achievement and recognition for his contribution to the airport, as both a manager and a board member over the last number of years. I am confident that this continuity will ensure the ongoing development of the airport towards achieving its goals set out in Vision 2020.”
Martina Burns, secretary of the board of CADCO, has also decided to retire from her position to which she was appointed in May 2002. Olivia Martin is to be her replacement.
