COPENHAGEN, Denmark, April 3, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Brian Petersen has been appointed new President and CEO of Copenhagen Airports A/S. He succeeds Niels Boserup, who is retiring after 16 years at the helm.
It has been agreed with the Supervisory Board that Petersen will take up his new position as soon as possible, but not later than 1 July. Before he hands over the baton, Boserup will be working alongside his successor to ensure a successful introduction and transition to the job.
Mr. Petersen's selection results from his proven international experience in creating and managing growth, his well developed leadership skills and, importantly, his ability to understand customer needs and deliver new ideas to improve the customer experience.
"By agreement with the Supervisory Board of Copenhagen Airports A/S, executive search firm Egon Zehnder International began the search for a successor to Niels Boserup in November last year. The search process proceeded as planned, and I am pleased to announce that Brian Petersen has accepted the job. I am certain we have found the right person to head Copenhagen Airport in the coming years, aiming for an increase in passenger numbers from 20 to 30 million per year and continuing to develop the airport's position as Scandinavia's most important hub," said Henrik Gurtler, chairman.
Petersen comes from a position as general manager with the multinational consumer goods group Procter & Gamble. It is a dedicated focus on customers that has led to excellent business results during his 19 years with Procter & Gamble. During his career, he has lived and worked in the UK, Sweden, Germany, Morocco and Switzerland, and he currently lives in China.
Petersen holds an MBA from the John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA, along with a degree from the Copenhagen Business School. Petersen will relocate to Denmark to take up his new position as President and CEO of Copenhagen Airports.
"I have enjoyed travelling through Copenhagen Airport over the years because of the airport's atmosphere and passenger friendliness. It is my experience that long-term growth and good results can be achieved if the business develops by catering to customer needs. I look forward to working with the airlines to generate growth and good facilities for passengers. Copenhagen Airport aims to be the largest airport in Scandinavia, the most efficient airport in Europe and among the best airports in the world, and this vision has my full support. During my first few weeks, I will be going around and talking with all the stakeholders at the airport so that I can learn from the highly competent people who contribute to the airport's development," said Petersen.
Brian Petersen is 45 years old and married with three children.
COPENHAGEN AIRPORTS A/S