UAE. Abu Dhabi Airports has named Carsten Nørland as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). He will oversee the company’s commercial operations including route development, retail, duty-free, F&B, property management, and commercial partnerships.
The airports company, which manages the emirate’s five commercial airports, highlighted his “extensive global track record in driving commercial strategy, revenue diversification and customer-centric growth”.
As the former CEO of Scandlines, Nørland led a company-wide transformation that delivered record-breaking freight and leisure traffic, financial gains and long-term strategic repositioning.
His previous roles include SVP International and Managing Director Nordic & Central Europe at Royal Unibrew, and Vice President, Market & Sales at Copenhagen Airport.
At Abu Dhabi Airports, he will lead the development and execution of an integrated commercial strategy — spanning aeronautical revenue growth through airline partnerships and network expansion, as well as non-aeronautical revenue streams including commercial concessions, digital platforms, real estate, and passenger services.
“We are thrilled to welcome Carsten Nørland to the Abu Dhabi Airports leadership team,” said Abu Dhabi Airports Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Elena Sorlini.
“His exceptional track record in transforming commercial operations and delivering sustainable growth aligns with our strategic goals as we continue to elevate our passenger experience and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub.”
A company statement added: “His leadership will accelerate the development of commercial initiatives that enhance passenger value, strengthen stakeholder partnerships and unlock new revenue streams, reinforcing Abu Dhabi Airports’ role as a catalyst for aviation, tourism and economic growth.” ✈
