Larry Gouldthorpe, president of Airports Worldwide (AWW) has been recognized as one of Central Florida’s Top CEOs by the Orlando Business Journal (OBJ). He received this honor at the OBJs annual CEO of the Year luncheon on May 19. Airports Worldwide has 22 years remaining on its concession agreement, which began in 1997, with the Sanford Airport Authority to manage and develop the commercial air service operation, including terminal management and cargo operations, at Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), which also serves as home to the company’s global headquarters.
Gouldthorpe has more than 30 years of airport management experience and is responsible for the global operations of Airports Worldwide’s portfolio of 11 airport operations consisting of management contracts across the U.S. and airport ownership/concession agreements in Central America and Europe. He reports directly to the company’s Board of Directors and is accountable for capital investments, strategic planning, operational excellence, financial goals achievement and creation of shareholder value.
“It’s nice to be recognized for working hard in an industry that I’ve always loved,” said Gouldthorpe, a native Floridian and a pilot. “We continue to provide the right strategic support to help best position great airport operations, such as Orlando Sanford International, which is home to our global headquarters.”
At Orlando Sanford (SFB), Gouldthorpe and his team are recognized for nearly tripling airport passenger traffic from 1999 to 2016 as well as overseeing more than $70 million in private investment at the Airport through the years. Also, instrumental in securing Allegiant Air’s commitment to build a $24 million, 43,000-square-foot training facility in Sanford that is slated to open this summer.
