John Coleman will take over as chief executive of Dublin Airport operator DAA on an annual salary of €380,000, according to details confirmed by the Department of Transport and reported by The Irish Times.
John Coleman Deposes Land Development Agency Role for DAA Top Job
Coleman is leaving his post at the Land Development Agency (LDA), where he served as chief executive since its inception with an annual salary of €250,000. The board of DAA appointed Coleman to a seven-year term, and he will take up the role early next year, as reported by RTE.ie. He replaces former chief executive Kenny Jacobs, who resigned in February following a dispute with the company, according to reports.
Remuneration and Contract Adjustments Behind the €380,000 Salary
The new salary for the DAA chief executive exceeds the €285,000 base salary paid to Kenny Jacobs, whose total compensation package reached €368,000 when pension contributions and other taxable benefits were added, according to reports. Pay for the position was reassessed following recommendations from the Senior Posts Remuneration Committee, an independent advisory body for public service and commercial State roles.
daa has appointed John Coleman CEO. Coleman has been appointed for a seven-year term and will take up the role early in the new year. He will be based at @DublinAirport.#aviation #airports #operations #CEO #executive #leadership #Ireland #management #operator pic.twitter.com/bdP8n617rU
Before this appointment, Coleman secured a five-year contract extension at the LDA earlier this year after months of negotiations. Freedom of Information records showed that Minister for Housing James Browne lobbied Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers over the terms, arguing that an abundance of caution on contracts was prioritising over efficient housing delivery. LDA chairman Cormac O’Rourke previously warned that Coleman had been approached by property and construction sector companies and that the agency was vulnerable to losing its founding chief executive.
Leadership Background Across State Commercial Bodies
Gary Owens, the chairman of DAA, said Coleman brings a proven track record of engaging with commercial organisations on behalf of the Irish State. Owens noted that Coleman’s familiarity with complex planning and regulatory systems will benefit the long-term development of Dublin and Cork airports. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien also welcomed the appointment, stating that Coleman takes on the leadership role at a challenging time for the commercial semi-State company.
Before establishing the LDA in 2018, Coleman worked as the chief financial officer at the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA), which he joined in 2011. He is a chartered accountant and a graduate of University College Dublin. Meanwhile, DAA operated with Nick Cole serving as deputy chief executive in recent months alongside his role as CEO of DAA International.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Leadership Transition
What was John Coleman’s salary at the Land Development Agency?
John Coleman earned an annual salary of €250,000 while serving as the chief executive of the Land Development Agency from its inception until his departure.
The head of the Land Development Agency (LDA) John Coleman has been named as the new chief executive of Dublin Airport operator DAA. Coleman will replace Kenny Jacobs as chief executive of DAA, after Jacobs was suspended by the company in December 2025.https://t.co/G1l0nAPXFB
When does John Coleman officially start at DAA?
John Coleman has been appointed to a seven-year term and will take up the chief executive role at DAA early in the new year.
Why did former DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs leave?
Kenny Jacobs resigned in February following a dispute with the DAA board that involved a High Court action regarding his suspension and a subsequent agreement to resolve the matter.
What are the primary responsibilities of DAA under the new leadership?
DAA is responsible for the operation, management, and development of Dublin and Cork airports, as well as international subsidiaries including Aer Rianta International and DAA International.
Keep reading