Airport Experience® News - Leadership Issue 2025

DECEMBER 2025 / JANUARY 2026

Dear Readers,

DECEMBER 2025 | JANUARY 2026 / V23 N267

Airport Experience News introduced its first leadership-focused issue in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, when the entire industry was searching for a path forward. In a moment defined by uncertainty, strong leadership became essential as airports and companies alike worked to rebuild. That need has not diminished. Today, effective leadership is just as critical as we strive to elevate the traveler experience and set a new standard for the industry. This issue celebrates the leaders who are embracing today’s challenges and moving our industry forward. We recognize AXN’s Directors of the Year – three individuals who have earned the respect of both their peers and their communities through their forward-thinking approaches to airport management. We also spotlight the work underway at airports across North America to recruit, train, and support small businesses in becoming successful concessions operators, strengthening the future of our industry. And finally, AXN Publisher Mel Montes reflects on her six years of guiding the AX team, sharing insights from her own leadership journey. Turning to the upcoming AX Conference, the agenda is set, the Experience Hall is filling fast and sponsorships and registrations are ticking up. We remind you to register early to ensure access to high demand events like the Women In Leadership Breakfast, Schmooze, the Airport Tour and the AX Awards Gala. We look forward to seeing each of you in Nashville next February!

PROFILING EXCELLENCE: AXN’S 2025 DIRECTORS OF THE YEAR

PANYNJ GAINS MENTORING MOMENTUM

AXN’S MONTES PUTS FUTURE IN FOCUS

AIRPORTS PUSH NEW OPERATOR OPTIMIZATION

Happy Reading,

Carol Ward Editor-in-Chief

Airport Experience News carol@airportxnews.com

6

AX NEWS DECEMBER 2025 / JANUARY 2026