ARI appoints Nick Forbes as group retail operations director

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The Auckland airport general manager retail will take up his new role in early November

Retailer Aer Rianta International (ARI) has appointed Nick Forbes as group retail operations director. Forbes, who is now Auckland Airport International Limited (AIAL) general manager retail, will leave his current position in early November and will report directly to ARI director general Eamon Foley. He will have full responsibility for all retail operations in Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Forbes will be based in Shannon and will succeed ARI regional general manager retail CIS/North America Bill Maxwell, who “has signalled his intention not to continue in his current role at this stage of his career”.

Foley said: “This appointment reflects our commitment to our retail business and to our partners, provides an additional professional level of commercial expertise to drive the business and to deliver the company’s vision…and mission.

 “Bill has given sterling service to the development of the business in the CIS and has built it up to become the company’s flagship region,” he added. “We are delighted that Bill will continue to work with ARI and will play a key role in the company to the continuing growth and development of the business.”

Forbes joined AIAL in his current role in May 2004 and has previously worked for Australian Pacific Airports (Melbourne) and Brisbane Airport Corporation. AIAL CEO Don Huse said: “We thank Nick for his strong contribution and leadership during the past four years. We also wish Nick well in his role which is a significant career opportunity for him.”

AIAL said a process to recruit a replacement for Forbes will begin soon.