Orlando International Airport CEO Phil Brown announces plans to retire

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport CEO Phil Brown announced at a board meeting Tuesday that he plans to retire when his contract expires this year.

Brown was originally hired as the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s Deputy Executive Director in 2008 and was appointed Executive Director in 2010. In 2017 GOAA’s Board changed the title to Chief Executive Officer.

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According to a statement from GOAA, Brown plans to retire when his current contract expires in September, but would be willing to sign an extension “to help ensure a smooth transition to a new CEO.”

”There are some unresolved matters and I am willing to remain in place after September to facilitate an orderly transition,” Brown said.

Brown recommended the board use a firm to assist with a nationwide search for his replacement.

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According to GOAA, Brown has led them through record-breaking growth during his time as CEO.

He also presided over two economic downturns, and of course the COVID-19 pandemic most recently.

At the same board meeting Tuesday, Airport  Chairman Carson Good presented a “State of the Airport” report, outlining OIA’s transition from pandemic operating conditions to their current levels.

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According to the report, 85% of the airport’s concessions are now open, along with most of the parking options.

“This has been an amazing year, how this incredible team dealt with this crisis and how we’re coming out of it,” Chairman Good said. “I’m very optimistic and amazed at how we’ve come through this as a community and as an airport.”

Cox Media Group