San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed has appointed Mike Nakornkhet as San Francisco International Airport (SFO)’s next director, following current director Ivar Satero’s retirement in early 2025. Prior to being named SFO director, Nakornkhet served as CFO and executive vice president of Denver International Airport (DEN). Nakornkhet returns to SFO after previously spending 13 years in the airport’s finance department, including eight years as the director of financial planning and analysis and acting managing director of finance.
“I am incredibly honored to be appointed as airport director of SFO by Mayor Breed and am humbled by the trust and confidence that she has placed in me to lead this extraordinary airport,” said Nakornkhet. “I look forward to working with the world-class team at SFO, our partners in the aviation industry, and the community to bring about transformative changes and ensure SFO remains a world-class gateway serving San Francisco.”
“I’m so pleased to offer Mike my congratulations on his selection as the next SFO airport director,” said Satero. “Mike’s prior significant contributions to SFO along with his success in helping DEN forge a path for the future makes him an outstanding choice. I’m confident that under Mike’s leadership SFO will continue to pursue excellence in caring for our guests and achieve new heights with the support of our amazing SFO team.”
“SFO is one of the most dynamic and important airports in our country, and its success is critical to San Francisco’s economic recovery,” added Mayor Breed. “Mike has more than 25 years of aviation industry experience and I am confident his vision will help ensure SFO continues to be a leader. I would also like to thank Ivar Satero for his commitment to the city and to SFO. Under his direction SFO has received well-deserved national recognition, with a significant expansion including the opening of the new Harvey Milk Terminal and the launch of 26 new international airlines and 25 new international destinations.”
