OREANDA-NEWS. Abu Dhabi Airports today announces that its Chief Executive Officer Tony Douglas is stepping down to take up a new role with the UK Government as Chief Executive of Defence Equipment & Support at the UK's Ministry of Defence.

Tony Douglas has served with great distinction as Abu Dhabi Airports' Chief Executive since 2013 and under his stewardship, the company has moved significantly closer towards its objective of becoming the world's leading airports group.  During his time with the company, Abu Dhabi International Airport has seen passenger growth rise to more than 20 million in 2014, with 20% annual growth, a trend that is forecast to continue.  At the same time, great progress has been made in enhancing Abu Dhabi International Airport's facilities and services. The Midfield Terminal building is currently 45% complete and remains on track for opening in 2017.  

A clear succession plan has been put in place to enable a comprehensive and properly executed transition during this period until Mr. Douglas' final departure.  

H.E. Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports, commented: "On behalf of our Board and all of our staff, I would like to pay tribute to Tony Douglas and thank him for his outstanding service as Chief Executive of Abu Dhabi Airports."

"We now move to a new era in the development of Abu Dhabi Airports' long term progression to become one of the leading global airports operators. Thanks to Tony's hard work Abu Dhabi Airports is well placed to achieve this objective."

Tony Douglas commented: "I would like to thank the government of Abu Dhabi, the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports and the Board of Directors for having given me the opportunity to take part in this remarkable journey towards achieving their objectives of being a major player in the global aviation industry. It has been a great privilege to support Abu Dhabi's ambitions to become a leading transportation hub, through the development of a world class aviation infrastructure."

Tony Douglas concluded: "I am very proud to have served Abu Dhabi for the last five years. I have made many good friends here and it is a city that will always have a special place in my heart."