Knock Airport CEO departs

Knock Airport CEO to step down

Anton McNulty

IRELAND West Airport Knock will be seeking a new Chief Executive after it announced that its current CEO Robert Grealis has decided to step down from his position.

Mr Grealis was appointed CEO of IWAK in July 2007 having joined the airport’s management team in 2004 in the role of Director of Finances and Operations. A statement from IWAK last week said that Mr Grealis was taking the opportunity to pursue other developments and business interests and would continue to act as CEO for the immediate future whilst the airport sought a replacement.

Mr Grealis explained that the decision was a difficult one for him to make but he was honoured to have been able to play a key role in the growth of the airport.

“Whilst it was a difficult decision for me to make, I am honoured to have been able to play a key role in the growth and success which the airport has enjoyed over the past few years. It has been heartening for me to see significant projects and developments come to fruition under my directorship, including growing the routes and airlines serving the airport, the advancements in financial management and business efficiencies that have been achieved.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the airport and in particular working with the Board, management team and staff who have been hugely supportive of me in achieving the goals and objectives that firmly place Ireland West Airport Knock on the map as Ireland’s fourth international airport and resulted in 2008 being a record year for passenger numbers and routes. I wish them all, and the airport, continued success and growth into the future,” he said.

The new Chairman of IWAK, Liam Scollan, paid tribute to the work done by Mr Grealis and said the airport’s achievements over the last number of years stand testament to his success during his time there.

“Since Robert joined the company in 2004, he has given unswerving service. I regard him as one of the most able managers I have ever encountered. Whilst his professional background is in accountancy, he applied his broad management experience to running the airport and all that involves in terms of operations, infrastructure, route network development and people management. On a professional and personal level, I will be sad to see him depart, although I know that he has new ambitions and in these I wish him every success,” he said.

On behalf of the board of IWAK, Mr Seán Noone said that Mr Grealis had brought superb business and financial management expertise to the airport and he played a key role in securing and delivering significant Government and other stakeholder investments in the airport.