Zurich Airport Latin America (ZALA) informs that, as of September 1, the management of the airports in Florianópolis, Vitória and Macaé will be unified, under the management of Ricardo Gesse. The current Director General of Floripa Airport will become CEO of the three airports.

The creation of a single directorate was already in the planning of the Zurich Airport Group, with the aim of solidifying an integrated corporate culture and shared governance between the airports. 

Ricardo Gesse has a long career in the aviation sector. He has held leadership positions in airlines, airports and air ground handling companies. In Florianópolis, Gesse was Director of Operations, from the beginning of the private administration of the airport, in January 2018, until December 2019, when he became General Director. During the period, he was responsible for the complex process of operational transfer from the old to the new international passenger terminal in the capital of Santa Catarina.

“The new structure will accelerate the exchange of successful experiences between the airports and, at the same time, allow us to align our management style in all the Group's concessions. We operate all our airports, focusing on excellence in services, efficient management, innovative practices, without giving up a constant search to delight our passengers and visitors with the magic of aviation. It is a concept that has been well received. Good examples are the recognition of the airports in Florianópolis and Vitória as the best in Brazil in terms of questions and categories in the last SAC survey”, comments Ricardo Gesse.

Matthias Poeter, current CEO of Aeroportos do Sudeste do Brasil (ASeB), concessionaire of the airports of Vitória and Macaé, says goodbye to the Zurich Airport Group in this transition. Matthias was in charge of the administration for over a year, taking part in important moments of the concession, such as the signing of the contract and the transition from Infraero to the Zurich Airport Group.

Gesse will report directly to the Airports Board of Directors. Zurich Airport Latin America is convinced that Ricardo Gesse will continue his path of great achievements, now at the helm of the 3 airports.