At its meeting yesterday, the Supervisory Board of Cologne-Bonn Airport unanimously elected Thilo Schmid as the new CEO of Cologne-Bonn Airport. The 46-year-old will take up his position at the airport company as soon as possible.
Schmid will form the new management of Cologne-Bonn Airport together with the second managing director and CFO Torsten Schrank.
Prof. Klaus-Dieter Scheurle, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Cologne-Bonn Airport, commented: “We are delighted that we have been able to secure the services of Mr Schmid, a recognised airport expert who has both extensive knowledge of aviation and considerable experience in airport management. Cologne-Bonn Airport is facing major economic and environmental challenges that need to be overcome on the path to climate-neutral airport operations. We are convinced that Mr Schmid will carry out these tasks with great commitment and determination, together with all our staff, and will lead Cologne Bonn Airport into a sustainable and successful future.”
Thilo Schmid started as managing director handling services at Düsseldorf Airport in 2012. Since 2019, Schmid is senior vice president aviation & accountable manager; he was responsible for all operational and commercial divisions at Düsseldorf Airport, with a total of approximately 900 employees.
Schmid has many years of experience in aviation and in his 20‑year career has worked in the transport and logistics sector, including within the Lufthansa Group. He has occupied various managerial positions and acquired sound knowledge of all operational processes; he also has great experience in effective cooperation with all of the relevant stakeholders at an airport.
Thilo Schmid succeeds Johan Vanneste, who is leaving the airport as of December 31, 2021 at his own request. Vanneste was president & CEO of Cologne-Bonn Airport since May 1, 2018.
“We thank Johan Vanneste for all he has done and his great service during the biggest crisis in aviation, and wish him all the best for his future,” said Prof. Klaus-Dieter Scheurle.
