Chief Development Officer

Summary: The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a Senior Vice President that acts as the primary strategist to secure the growth, management, and protection of Concessions International’s portfolio across airports and other businesses in North America.  This leader’s responsibility includes partnership with the executive team on both organic and inorganic growth opportunities, marketing, brand relationships, and influencing the design and construction of locations.  The CDO is responsible for the organizational design, accountability, and coaching of the Business Development team. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Growth

• Design, execute, and manage CI’s business development strategy to protect, extend, and grow profitable contracts in airports.


• Conduct market analysis, research, and financial modeling to support business cases for growth (organic and inorganic.)


• A key executive in the Company’s Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) scouting, modeling, and integrations.


• Oversee the design and execution of Concessions International’s short and long-term marketing and brand strategies for both B2B and B2C populations.

Revenue Optimization

• Create and manage the Business Development budget.


• Negotiate commercial leases, brand agreements, and other contracts on behalf of the Company.


• In partnership with finance, oversee the budgeting, planning, and execution of capital projects to manage design and construction of projects in airports.

People & Culture

• Mentor, train, and coach a high performing Business Development Team.


• Create talent management strategies to prepare the team for professional growth and development.


• Responsible for Business Development’s succession plan.


• Build relationships and acts as a strong peer advisor and partner to other members of the Concessions International and Russell Enterprise’s executive team.


• Responsible for the strategic design and execution of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy.

Industry Relationships & Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with aviation leaders, airlines, government officials, joint venture partners, brands, and other stakeholders in the aviation ecosystem.


• Partner with the finance team and CEO to build and manage relationships with banks and other financial institutions to support Concessions International’s growth.


• Represent Concessions International externally within industry organizations, conferences, and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Hospitality, Finance, or similar field of study required.


• 7-10 years of experience in senior level roles within business development, commercial management, corporate real estate, or similar industries. Experience in airport concessions and the aviation industry preferred.


• Proven and demonstrated business and financial acumen, with a strong focus on FP&A.


• Understands joint venture relationships and legal matters that have an impact on overall business relationships.


• Owns a win record of securing and negotiating profitable and complex leases and other agreements.


• Established relationships with the company’s key stakeholder communities (i.e. aviation, government, airlines, joint venture partners, and brands.)


• Superior leadership and people management skills with a track record of identifying and growing talent in an organization.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience engaging with board members and senior executives.


• M&A experience leading, advising, and integrating organizations.


• Must have the ability to travel 60-75%; often with short notice


• A presence in the Atlanta Support Center required.