Robert L. Gilbert has been appointed chief development officer for Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). Gilbert’s appointment was announced today by LAWA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Deborah Flint. In his position, Gilbert will be responsible for leading and coordinating the planning and delivery of all elements of the LAWA capital program, including the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Capital Improvement Program (CIP). In this role, he will act as the Program Executive for the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), and is responsible for overseeing LAWA Planning and Development Group and Environmental Programs.
Gilbert brings to LAWA 40 years of global experience in aviation and airport management. Over the last 15 years, Gilbert has been involved in various levels of automated people mover (APM) and light rail connections to airports, from conceptual development, to construction, to operations and maintenance. Gilbert has past experience at LAWA as Program Manager for the LAX Improvement Program. He successfully led a group of 17 diverse consulting firms that developed the $13 billion LAX Master Plan and its associated Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR).
“I am thrilled that Robert has agreed to rejoin the LAWA team at such a pivotal time in its history, said Flint. “Robert’s experience will greatly benefit LAWA, and add strength and support to the many ambitious programs that are underway as part of the $14 billion capital program designed to re-imagine, renovate and rebuild LAX.” Gilbert will begin his employment with LAWA Nov. 14.
As the organization transitions to new leadership at the executive level, additional changes in the roles and responsibilities of existing executives was also announced. “We have an incredibly talented team at LAWA,” said Flint. “These changes reflect the direction we are headed with shared goals launched through our newly developed strategic plan – working together with more collaboration as we meet the exciting challenges ahead. The momentum we have today, we will have tomorrow.”
Roger Johnson, deputy executive director, APM Executive, will expand his portfolio by assuming the role of LAMP Program Executive and will oversee the Landside Access Modernization Program including the APM, roads and Consolidated Rent-A-Car Center.
Samantha Bricker, deputy executive director, will expand her role and become the executive manager of the LAWA Environmental Programs Group. She will continue her current role in LAMP as the organization’s representative for agency development and coordination.
The Commercial Development Group, led by Debbie Bowers as chief commercial officer, will become a direct report to the CEO. Bowers will continue to lead the commercial development functions including real estate and concessions development, Northside and surrounding area development, while focusing on airline strategies and lease negotiations.
