October 18, 2023 Back to all news

daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, has announced that following an intensive selection process, with keen interest from strong internal and external candidates, Gary McLean has been appointed to the role of Managing Director Dublin Airport. Gary will report to Group CEO Kenny Jacobs and joins the daa Executive Management team.

daa also announced that John Brennan has taken up the role of Managing Director, daa Labs. This new role incorporates daa’s existing IT and Business Intelligence teams, together with new Digital and Innovation capabilities for the daa Group. John Brennan will also report directly to Kenny Jacobs.

Gary McLean, has been with daa since 1996 and has held several senior leadership roles, including as General Manager Operations Dublin Airport and most recently as Deputy Managing Director Dublin Airport. He will be accountable for and will manage all aspects of day-to-day operations at Dublin Airport including Airport and Security Operations, Asset Management, Safety Office, and the Airport Police and Fire Services. Vincent Harrison who previously served as Managing Director Dublin Airport has taken up the position of daa’s Chief Commercial & Development Officer, comprising of Aviation Business Development, Commercial, Finance, Dublin Airport HR, Infrastructure, Marketing, Proposition, and Regulation & Planning.

Speaking on the announcement of Gary Mclean as the new Dublin Airport Managing Director, Kenny Jacobs, daa Group CEO said:

“Gary will lead a strong Dublin Airport to successfully meet customer and passenger demands into the future, while continuing to deliver the best possible product for our employees, passengers, and customers. I know Gary will bring his invaluable experience and great leadership qualities to the role to drive and support the wider Dublin Airport team.” 

Before taking up the new role of Managing Director, daa Labs, John Brennan served as Director of Operations at Dublin Airport and played a key role in transforming the passenger experience at the airport and delivering a better product through daa’s Better Dublin Airport programme this summer. He previously served as the Group’s Commercial Director. 

“The new role of Managing Director of daa Labs is a key role for our business, and John Brennan will set our IT strategy to support daa’s business goals and oversee its successful implementation. John will be responsible for bringing complete focus to the seamless delivery of the digital service that our customers and passengers expect and demand and keeping the passenger front and centre. His skill set and knowledge of our operation will support and enhance the performance of the team,” Kenny Jacobs said. 

“I believe these two key appointments will bring better alignment across distinct functions and disciplines with shared objectives, faster decision making and a greater focus across our business on delivering our vision,” he added.