AUSTRIA. Philipp Ahrens has been appointed Senior Vice President Center Management at Vienna Airport, effective this month.
Ahrens, a much-respected figure in the airport commercial world, has over 24 years of experience in the sector covering multiple operational as well as consultative disciplines.
He was previously Vice President Center Management at Munich Airport from July 2016 until the end of 2020, responsible for all leasing arrangements for retail and gastronomy units at the Bavarian gateway.
Ahrens commented: “I am very proud and happy to be part of the Vienna Airport family and starting as new Senior Vice President Center Management at Vienna Airport. Looking forward to be working with my new colleagues and old partners in these challenging times in our industry.”
He added later: “Vienna Airport was the fastest growing airport in Europe before the coronavirus crisis. Its quality, innovation and service orientation are highly regarded internationally. Once the pandemic has been overcome, passengers will also return, and Vienna Airport will be able to successfully continue on its growth path. I am pleased to be on board and be part of this growth strategy.”
Vienna Airport Joint CEO and COO Julian Jäger said: “With Philipp Ahrens we have a proven aviation expert on board. His longstanding experience in various areas of the aviation sector on a national and international level and above all his pronounced competencies in the development of innovative retail and food & beverage concepts at one of Europe’s most highly rated airports will provide new impetus to Vienna Airport. Even if passengers are currently staying away due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are already preparing for the comeback of air travel after the crisis by modernising Terminal 2. We look forward to being able to soon offer our passengers a new service and quality experience.”
In related news, former Senior Vice President Center Management, Björn Olsson (left), who held the role from June 2016 until July 2020, has been appointed VD/Managing Director at SSP Sweden.
