San Francisco International (SFO) Airport Director John Martin will retire in summer 2016 after 20 years in the position. SFO will conduct a search for a new director over the coming months, and Martin will guide the transition to new leadership, the airport says.
Martin says he has had “an extraordinary ride with an extraordinary team” at the helm of SFO, but that the time has come to move on to other interests.
“I am confident SFO is in a strong position to continue as a leader in the aviation industry,” Martin says. “I’ve been blessed to lead an airport team that cares deeply about operating an exceptional airport for our passengers, supporting one another as one team and serving our communities.”
Martin was first appointed airport director in 1995, and prior to that he served as SFO’s deputy airport director for business and finance. In all, he has spent 35 years at the airport.
SFO is in the midst of a $4.4 billion capital project that includes a new air traffic control tower (completed), a new Terminal 1, a new 350-room hotel, and numerous cargo and service-related buildings.
Past highlights of Martin’s tenure include overseeing the completion of a $3.5 billion capital plan that included construction of the now iconic International Terminal, a BART extension to the airport, new parking garages and the Air Train people mover system in the 1990s.
He also was director as 25 new international carriers and several low-cost carriers have started service at SFO since 2001.
“John L. Martin’s leadership at the helm of our nation’s 7th busiest international airport for the last two decades has left a legacy for residents and visitors for generations to come,” Mayor Ed Lee says, “SFO as our city’s gateway to the world has been transformed under his direction, passion and dedication to being the best,” he adds, noting that Martin will “truly be missed.”
Until his retirement, SFO says Martin will be fully engaged as director, especially with the design of the new Terminal 1, the new airport hotel, major improvements to Terminal 3 and a major refreshment to the International Terminal.
