After a global search, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has selected Chris McLaughlin as its CEO. McLaughlin, who will begin his role on May 19, will succeed current retiring CEO Sean Donohue. Prior to being appointed CEO, McLaughlin served as DFW’s executive vice president of operations, managing the airport’s Airfield Operations, the Department of Public Safety, Airline Relations, Environmental Affairs, the Integrated Operations Center and Cargo. Before joining DFW in 2021, McLaughlin was executive vice president and COO of Denver International Airport (DEN), and also held leadership positions at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)’s Office of Security Operations, Air Wisconsin Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
“I am honored to have been selected by the DFW Airport Board to serve as DFW’s next CEO,” said McLaughlin. “DFW airport has an extraordinary history, is recognized globally, and has a critical role to play in the region’s future growth. I am inheriting one of the best teams in the business, surrounded by true industry partners with a shared vision, supporting a community and a region that my family proudly calls home. Working together with our board, our employees, the community and our stakeholders, we’ll continue to transform travel for our region and the world.”
“DFW Airport has become a centerpiece of our region’s economic prosperity and global connectivity, and Chris McLaughlin is the right person to lead the airport into its next exciting chapter of growth,” added Donohue. “Chris possesses the experience, leadership and expertise needed to guide an enterprise the magnitude of DFW. He brings a wealth of experience that will benefit the airport as it enters a period of accelerated transformation, and I know he will excel as DFW’s next chief executive.”
“DFW Airport is a cornerstone of Dallas’ economic strength and global connectivity,” said Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “I am thrilled to welcome Chris McLaughlin to this vital leadership role and look forward to working together leading the third-busiest airport in the world and ensuring that one of our greatest assets continues to drive innovation, investment, and opportunity for our city.”
“Fort Worth has become a major hub for innovation, business and opportunity, with DFW airport being at the center of this economic engine,” added Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. “We welcome Chris McLaughlin into this role and are confident that his leadership will strengthen DFW’s role as a world-class gateway and a major economic driver for Fort Worth and the North Texas region.”
“We are proud to welcome Chris McLaughlin as the next CEO of DFW,” said DeMetris Sampson, chair of the DFW airport board of directors. “Chris stood out in a global pool of exceptional candidates as a forward-thinking, inclusive leader who understands both the scale and the impact of our mission. We are confident that Chris will guide DFW through its next exciting chapter as we expand the airport, create jobs and opportunities for the community and help power global commerce.”
