Airport Experience® News - Leadership Issue 2025

ADVERTORIAL

GUIDING A NEW FUTURE Tinsley Harland Takes The Helm At Concessions International

In September, Concessions International announced a leadership transition, saying farewell to Donata Russell Ross and welcoming seasoned industry leader Nikki Tinsley Harland into the fold. Tinsley Harland took the helm as CEO on October 6, 2025. Tinsley Harland has been a prominent travel retail industry leader for a dozen years. Prior to joining Concessions International, she most recently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Paradies Lagardère. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and lead with integrity. She was the 2024 Airport Experience News (AXN) Woman of the Year, and Russell Ross is the 2025 AXN Woman of the Year. Russell Ross has retired after 42 years with the U.S.- based family-owned company, which she led as CEO from 2013-October 2025. During her tenure, CI increased airport presence, added national brands, increased women and minority business participation, and successfully managed the company through COVID-19 in airport environments across the country and in the Virgin Islands. Russell Ross will continue to serve as the Chair of the Board of H. J. Russell & Company. As CI navigates a pivotal leadership shift, we sat down with Russell Ross and Tinsley Harland for both reflection on past successes and a vision for what’s next.

Above: Nikki Tinsley Harland took the helm at Concessions International in October 2025. A seasoned industry professional, Tinsley Harland plans to grow the company’s footprint and influence in the airport concessions industry, drive outstanding results and be a great place to work for CI teams.

Above: Donata Russell Ross served as CEO of

Concessions International for 12 years before retiring in October of this year. In total, she spent 42 years with the company that was co-founded by her father, the late Herman J. Russell.

Q: Donata, during your 42 years at Concessions International, the industry has evolved considerably. Can you share your thoughts on the continuing evolution, challenges and opportunities for airport concessions as you pass the torch to a new leader? RUSSELL ROSS: I often reflect on how much the airport concessions industry has changed during my career. When I started, the great majority of concessions in airports consisted of dark, smokey bars, cafeteria-style restaurants and snack bars serving hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, fries and beverages. The only national brands in airports were a few Burger Kings and Pizza Huts. The industry is dramatically different 40 years later!

The quality and variety of local, national, and proprietary food and beverage options available in airports is impressive and the focus on service has completely changed the passenger’s experience. Travelers are now confident that there will be attractive food and beverage options available at airports. The challenge facing the industry is finding the right business model and technology that allows us to continue to innovate and improve the customer’s experience, to attract and retain the right employees and to navigate the economic variables effecting the business. We must drive speed of service without letting go of the authentic connection that we have with all our passengers.

Q: What are some of your key achievements in leading Concessions International? RUSSELL ROSS: I am proud that Concessions International has continued to grow and successfully operate as a 100% family-owned U.S.-based prime concessionaire after graduating from the DBE program over 30 years ago. We have successfully navigated through economic downturns and major events, most recently the pandemic, causing us to reflect, adjust and adapt to these changes. We have done this while maintaining our focus on quality operations, our people, performance, and growth. Our teams are committed and resilient and I am extremely proud to have been part of our growth while maintaining a positive work environment.

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AX NEWS DECEMBER 2025 / JANUARY 2026