Emirates Group has promoted Steve Allen to the role of executive vice-president at dnata.
He will be responsible for all dnata’s businesses, covering ground handling, catering and travel across six continents.
Allen will also assume responsibility for managing Emirates Group’s relationships with its associated businesses, including MMI, Emirates CAE Flight Training and Premier Inn.
In his new role, Allen will continue to report to Gary Chapman, president of group services and dnata, until Chapman’s retirement at the end of March. Allen will then report directly to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group.
Sheikh Ahmed said: “In his various management roles at the company, Steve has delivered outstanding results and demonstrated excellent leadership skills, making a significant contribution to the success of dnata and its customers.
“I’m confident that under Steve’s leadership dnata will cement its position as a global leader that consistently provides service excellence and the highest level of quality and safety across all its businesses.”
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He added: “I wish to take the opportunity to thank Gary for his commitment and accomplishments over the last three decades. Gary has led dnata to fantastic new heights, transforming it into a strong global business with a first-class reputation when it comes to service, safety, and standard.”
Allen has been with the Emirates Group for 12 years in various operational and support roles.
Since 2016, he has been overseeing dnata’s ground handling and cargo operations and airport hospitality services in the United Arab Emirates as divisional senior vice president.
For the past nine months he has also been leading dnata’s travel businesses.
Before joining the Emirates Group, Steve Allen spent 16 years with British Airways in various financial, regional and operational roles.