Airport Services Association Announces New Chair and Director General
Riehen (Switzerland) and Brussels (Belgium), April 1, 2019 — Fabio Gamba, a respected and well-known figure in the aviation industry, has been appointed as director general of the Airport Services Association (ASA), effective immediately. Fabio will take on this role in addition to his position as managing director of the Airline Catering Association (ACA). Additionally, Steve Allen, divisional senior vice president of dnata, was elected by the board as the new ASA chair on March 26. Steve replaces Sally Leible, President of Airport Terminal Services, who has decided to step down after serving as Chair of the association since 2017.
Speaking of Fabio Gamba’s appointment, Steve Allen said: “Fabio is the perfect fit for the Airport Services Association to lead our organisation into the 2020s. Given his wealth of experience in managing associations in the aviation sector, he will hit the ground running. With his deep expertise and passion for aviation, he will be able to deliver for our members and the 1.6 million employees working in the airport services sector globally. I would also like to thank Jon Conway and Sally Leible for their tremendous service over the past two years. They have taken ASA to a new level.”
Erdmann Rauer, chairman of ACA and CEO of the LSG Group said: “This is a win-win situation for both associations. Sharing the same leadership, the airport services and inflight catering industries will be more effective in making their voices heard. From safety and security, to training and staff retention, to providing quality services to airlines and passengers, we face very similar tasks and challenges. Fabio’s background and expertise support the two associations in generating substantial synergies.”
Sally Leible commented: “Fabio is the perfect choice to take over as director general of ASA. He has an impressive track record and is committed to strengthening the reputation of the industry. Taking over as chairman, Steve Allen brings significant experience and expertise to the role. ASA’s future looks brighter than ever.”
Fabio Gamba: “I am honored to be trusted to lead two organizations that represent crucial parts of the aviation industry. My clear priority is to strengthen the reputation of both the ground handling and airline catering industry. The men and women working at airports around the world make sure that air travel is safe, comfortable and enjoyable. I look forward to representing them and the members of ACA and ASA.”
Jon Conway, who stepped down as director general of the ASA at the end of March after completing his two-year term said: “I couldn’t have hoped for a better successor. Fabio is a highly experienced leader and expert in the aviation sector. He understands board rooms, what’s happening on the ramp and everything in between – a perfect match.”
Gamba, who is based in Brussels, has over 20 years’ experience in the aviation and aerospace sectors. Prior to ACA, he was the CEO of the European Business Aviation Association and the Deputy Secretary General of the Association of European Airlines, among other positions.
The two organizations will continue to operate independently, with separate boards, working groups, memberships and finances.
