Ground handler dnata appoints EVP

Dnata, part of the Emirates Group, has promoted Steve Allen into the role of executive vice president.

Allen has worked at the Emirates Group for 12 years in operational and support roles.

He has been divisional senior vice president since 2016, overseeing the company’s ground handling and cargo operations, and airport hospitality services in the United Arab Emirates. For the past nine months he has also been leading dnata’s travel businesses.

Prior to joining the Emirates Group, he spent 16 years at British Airways in various financial, regional and operational roles.

In his new role, Allen will oversee dnata’s ground handling business, as well as its catering and travel business serving passengers.

For the next few weeks, he will report to Gary Chapman, president of Emirates Group’s services and dnata, until his retirement at the end of March. He will then report directly to Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

Sheikh bin Saeed Al Maktoum commented: “I’m pleased to announce the promotion of Allen to executive vice president. In his various management roles at the company Steve has delivered outstanding results and demonstrated excellent leadership skills, making a significant contribution to the success of dnata and its customers.

“I’m confident that under his leadership dnata will cement its position as a global leader that consistently provides service excellence and the highest level of quality and safety across all its businesses.

“I wish to take the opportunity to thank Chapman for his commitment and accomplishments over the last three decades. Gary has led dnata to fantastic new heights, transforming it into a strong global business with a first class reputation when it comes to service, safety, and standard. I wish Gary a happy and fulfilling retirement.”

Dnata provides ground handling, cargo, catering and travel services in 35 countries. In the financial year 2019-20 it handled 681,000 aircraft, moved 2.9m tonnes of cargo and uplifted more than 93m meals.