SGK Kishore elected to lead ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Airports; Emmanuel Menanteau hands over after driving industry progress

ACI APAC & MID elects five new Executive Committee Members; Five new Board Members elected from key aviation markets, including a woman leader

The newly elected members of the Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID) Board Executive Committee and Board Directors were announced at its Board Meeting, hosted by Cambodia Airports/VINCI Airports, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Mr. SGK Kishore, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer, GMR Group (left); Mr. Emmanuel Menanteau, Board Director of Cambodia Airports/Regional Director, VINCI Airports (right)

Mr. SGK Kishore, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer, GMR Group, was elected as President of Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID), the trade body of airports, representing 132 members, operating 617 airports, across 46 countries and territories. Mr. Kishore will succeed Mr. Emmanuel Menanteau, Board Director of Cambodia Airports/Regional Director, VINCI Airports, as President starting 1 January 2025 for a two-year term.

Congratulating the new President and the newly elected members, Mr. Menanteau, said: “It has been an exceptional two years, during which we’ve made significant steps in advancing our key initiatives and strategic priorities, especially with regard to economic and environmental sustainability of airports. I am grateful to our Board for their support, which has allowed us to strengthen our advocacy across the region. As I hand over the leadership to Mr. Kishore, I am confident that under his guidance, ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East will continue to be a powerful advocate for our region’s airports. I also extend my sincere congratulations to all newly elected Board members.”

Commenting on his new role, Mr. Kishore said: “I am deeply honoured to take on the role of President and to continue the remarkable work of my predecessor, Mr. Emmanuel Menanteau. As we look toward the future, our collective focus will be on driving environmental sustainability, innovation, and ensuring the economic resilience of airports as aviation industry in our region is set for the next big phase of growth.”

The other newly appointed members of Executive Committee are: 

• First Vice President: Mr. Mohamed Yousif Al-Binfalah, CEO, Bahrain Airport Company
• Second Vice President: Mr. Fred Lam, Chairman, Airport Authority Hong Kong 
• Second Vice President: Mr. Akihiko Tamura, President & CEO, Narita International Airport
• Secretary Treasurer: Mr. Gert-Jan de Graaff, CEO, Brisbane Airport Corporation

The two year term of the Executive Committee will commence from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2026. 

The Association also elected five new Board Directors from key aviation market such as Singapore, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, and Cambodia.

The Newly elected Board Directors are:   

• Mr. Ali Salim Al-Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah International Airport Authority 
• Mr. Cyril Girot, CEO, Cambodia Airports 
• Ms. Elena Sorlini, MD & CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports 
• Dato' Mohd Izani Ghani, MD, Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) 
• Mr. Yam Kum Weng, CEO, Changi Airport Group  

The three-year term of the Board Directors will commence from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2027.