California airport authority hires new chief

The Ontario International Airport Authority in California has announced the appointment of international aviation consultant Dan Cappell to its executive ranks as chief commercial officer.

The position, the authority says, is integral to the future development of the Southern California airport. 

Cappell, a 29-year veteran of the international aviation industry and currently an OIAA consultant, will begin his full-time duties December 9.

Cappell has worked with airports in Baltimore, Denver, Phoenix and Charlotte, as well Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, in his capacity with Leigh Fisher Management Consultants, a global strategic management firm. 

Leigh Fisher is owned by Jacobs Engineering Group, which is focused on the aviation, infrastructure and surface transportation sectors. Cappell has played a leading role in the development of airport business plans, concession plans and strategic advertising opportunities.

Before joining Leigh Fisher Cappell, led a team of 66 executive and support personnel as acting commercial officer of Abu Dhabi Airports Company, which provides aviation services to five airports in the United Arab Emirates.