Jacobs Remains CEO of Dublin Airport Authority
- Kenny Jacobs, the CEO of daa, is expected to leave his position following a mediated agreement with the company's board, according to RTÉ News.
- The mediation process took place in recent weeks, culminating in a deal that requires approval from both Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack...
- Despite the ongoing negotiations, daa management attempted to reassure staff about the stability of the organization.
daa CEO Kenny Jacobs Expected to Depart with €1.2M Exit Package
Table of Contents
Updated September 18,2024,at 10:50 AM PDT
Breakdown in Relations Led to Mediation
Kenny Jacobs, the CEO of daa, is expected to leave his position following a mediated agreement with the company’s board, according to RTÉ News. The agreement comes after a period of strained relations between Jacobs and members of the board, chaired by Basil geoghegan.
The mediation process took place in recent weeks, culminating in a deal that requires approval from both Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. Sources indicate this approval process “could take weeks.”
internal Communications Focused on Business Continuity
Despite the ongoing negotiations, daa management attempted to reassure staff about the stability of the organization. An internal note, reported by RTÉ, acknowledged the “recent coverage, speculation and commentary” surrounding the CEO and board, recognizing it could be “unsettling.”
The note explicitly stated, “while board matters are confidential, we want to reiterate that Kenny is and remains daa’s CEO.” It further assured employees that any change in leadership would occur “over an agreed timeframe” and that the focus would remain on “our business, passengers and customers.”
The interaction emphasized that Jacobs, the executive team, and the board were “fully aligned in the focus on business-as-usual matters,” and that the board would continue its regular meeting schedule. Jacobs was scheduled to visit Cork and Dublin airports the following week.
Financial Implications of the Departure
The estimated value of the exit package for Jacobs is approximately €1.2 million, reflecting the remaining duration of his contract. This figure has not been officially confirmed by daa. The substantial package underscores the complexities surrounding the departure and the need for ministerial oversight.
Ministerial Approval Required
The agreement is contingent upon approval from Minister O’Brien and Minister Chambers, a standard procedure for senior appointments and departures within state-owned enterprises like daa. The delay in approval is attributed to the need for thorough review and due diligence, as well as potential political considerations.
daa’s Response
A spokesperson for daa declined to provide further comment on the matter or to confirm the existence of a finalized agreement, maintaining a position of official silence. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation and media coverage.
