LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles World Airports, the L.A. city agency that manages LAX, announced today that, in light of the upcoming departure of CEO Deborah Flint, the Los Angeles Board of Airport Commissioners will consider at its December 19, 2019, regular meeting the appointment of LAWA Chief Operating Officer Justin Erbacci as Interim Chief Executive Officer while the commissioners conduct a search for the next CEO.
“Deborah Flint has worked with our Board of Airport Commissioners to put in place all the building blocks for LAX's modernization, and we are grateful for her service and for her work to ensure an orderly transition as she departs for a new opportunity,” said board President Sean O. Burton. “The Board is steadfast in its commitment to realizing the vision Mayor Garcetti has set for us of a modern, connected airport in which all Angelenos can take pride, and to having the best leadership in place to execute that vision.
“Since he joined LAWA in 2016, Justin Erbacci has been central to every aspect of transforming our airports, and his leadership during this critical juncture will ensure that transformation never misses a beat,” Burton said.
Flint has accepted a position as the President and CEO of the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, which operates Toronto Pearson Airport. She originally negotiated to stay at LAWA through early 2020 for the transition but with Erbacci's anticipated appointment has decided to accelerate her departure, now scheduled for Dec. 31.
“With the plan to consider Justin Erbacci as Interim CEO, I know that LAWA will have the leadership it needs to guide it through this transition,” said Flint.
“I've been honored to serve the people of Los Angeles and help build the world-class airport they deserve. I welcome the chance to move up my departure date to begin moving to Canada and to prepare to get to work at Toronto Pearson, and I look forward to watching all the great progress I know Justin and the LAWA team will deliver going forward.”
Erbacci joined LAWA in July 2016 and was named COO in June 2019. As COO, he has overseen implementation and delivery of LAWA's $14 billion ongoing modernization program and leads the integration of the capital development, guest experience, innovation, commercial strategy, information technology, environment and sustainability, and operations and facilities management functions at both Los Angeles International and Van Nuys general aviation airports.
Erbacci first joined LAWA in October 2016 as Chief Innovation and Technology Officer and Deputy Executive Director where was responsible for implementing LAWA's overall Information Technology vision and strategy, in addition to leveraging innovative technologies and processes to enhance operations at LAX and VNY. In January 2018, Erbacci's role was expanded to Chief Innovation and Commercial Strategy Officer where, in addition to his previous role, he also sponsored and led the Terminal Development and Improvement Program and shaped commercial and business strategies.
Photo: LAWA