The Ontario International Airport Authority announced this week that international aviation consultant Dan Cappell will become the chief commercial officer at Ontario International Airport (ONT), helping to drive growth at the airport in the competitive Southern California market.
Cappell, a 29-year veteran of the international aviation industry, was already working as a consultant for the OIAA as part of his role at global strategic management firm Leigh Fisher Management Consultants.
At Leigh Fisher, Cappell also worked with airports in Baltimore, Denver, Phoenix and Charlotte, as well Orange County’s John Wayne Airport (SNA), helping them to develop business plans and concession plans and maximize strategic advertising opportunities.
“We have had the benefit of Dan’s expertise and experience in his capacity as a consultant, so he is no stranger to all we’ve accomplished as well as our vision for Ontario as a first-rate international aviation gateway,” says Mark Thorpe, OIAA chief executive officer. “He’s keenly aware of what it takes to develop successful airports, and we look forward to the added value his many talents will bring to Ontario.”
Before joining Leigh Fisher, the U.K. native led a team of 66 executive and support personnel as acting commercial officer of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which provides aviation services to five airports in the United Arab Emirates.
“I am honored to be joining the executive team at Ontario and contribute to the vision for growth as defined by the CEO and the board. Ontario has a dynamic and forward-thinking executive team, with incredibly exciting plans for the airport’s growth over the next 10 years,” Cappell says. “I can’t wait to get started.”
