IWAK appointments

CHANGING TIMES Robert Grealis, former Director of Finance and Operations, at Ireland West Airport Knock has been appointed as the Airport’s new CEO; Enda Candon, formerly of Connacht Gold and CEO of First Western Consulting, will join the Airport team in the newly-appointed position as Director of Business Partnerships and Liam Scollan, former Managing Director of the Airport, has been appointed as Group Managing Director.

Knock’s high-flier appointments

Áine Ryan

THREE major new appointments at Ireland West Airport Knock (IWAK), announced last week, are aimed at reflecting its continued expansion and ‘future strategic development’. Former Managing Director of the Airport, Mr Liam Scollan, has been appointed Group Managing Director, with IWAK’s former Director of Finance and Operations, Robert Grealis, appointed as new CEO. Mr Enda Candon, formerly of Connacht Gold and CEO of First Western Consulting, has also been appointed to the newly-created position of Director of Business Partnerships, facilitating an initiative to expand the airport’s business portfolio.

It has emerged that IWAK’s huge commercial success means it will now organise its activities into two separately-managed activities in order to assure sustained development and the realisation of the airport’s potential, detailed in its ‘Vision 2020’ strategy, announced in October 2005.  

In a joint statement, airport Chairman Mr Joe Kennedy and Mr Scollan explained the background to the restructuring programme:

“The airport takes its role as a transport access hub very seriously but it also takes its place as an employer and job generator for the region very seriously,” they said. 

“It is vital therefore for Ireland West Knock’s future, for its commercial success and its ability to provide secure jobs locally, that it not only continues to attract new flights, but creates new spin-off enterprises which provide economic benefit to the region and income streams to the airport,” they also said.

“The airport’s activities provide an opportunity to attract enterprises that need good connectivity, modern logistics and hassle-free travel. Airports exist in a very tough competitive international environment and Ireland West Knock is no exception. It has to diversify as well as expand its core business and derive its incomes from multiple sources if it is to realise its true potential,” they continued.

Liam Scollan joined the airport in May 2002 initially as a consultant, and was subsequently appointed by the Board as Chief Executive in December 2002. In 2005, he was appointed  Managing Director of the company.

“My new role will now allow me to devote more time to the Board’s work in devising the overall strategy for our next phases of development, ensuring strong partnership with all those who can support and invest in the airport’s plans and, of course, supporting the new management who have such a wonderful challenge ahead,” said Mr Scollan.

Having joined the airport in 2004, Mr Robert Grealis has contributed significantly to operational standards, financing, and route development, according to Mr Scollan. Meanwhile, he said Mr Enda Candon will drive ‘the challenge of developing new employment and enterprise opportunities’ in his role as Director of Business Partnerships.