Bakker to join Abu Dhabi Airports Co

Abu Dhabi Airports Co (ADAC) has announced the appointment of Hans Bakker—at present Airport Authority Hong Kong commercial director—as its new commercial director, effective from April.

Bakker, who has been at Hong Kong International airport since 2000. has been appointed to “drive the growing commercialisation agenda at ADAC”, the group said, and will be responsible for “building momentum, optimising returns and delivering on the policy agenda of the government of Abu Dhabi”.

ADAC chairman and managing director His Excellency Khalifa Al Mazrouei said: “Hans has enjoyed a distinguished career in the aviation business and brings to us a wealth of knowledge and experience as we embark on a determined effort to generate greater returns at our airports…We are looking at all aspects of our business to seek greater commercial returns and Hans has been hired to bring his skills to the delivery of this priority.”

 

Bakker said: “I look forward to joining ADAC and contributing to its success and to coming to Abu Dhabi at such an exciting and challenging time in its development as a world class city. It is an exciting time for ADAC, especially as the new terminal three [at Abu Dhabi International airport] nears completion which will boost capacity at the airport by a further five million passengers per year.”

 

ADAC acting commercial director Dan Cappell will hand over his ADAC responsibilities to Bakker to focus on his primary role as Abu Dhabi Duty Free managing director.