Kenny Jacobs Resigns as DAA CEO Following High Court Settlement

Kenny Jacobs has decided to resign as chief executive of DAA following a recent settlement of a lawsuit against the state airport operator. The High Court was informed that Jacobs would “voluntarily step down” from his role, concluding a dispute between him and DAA.

Kenny Jacobs and DAA: Background of the Lawsuit

Jacobs initiated legal proceedings after being suspended in December 2022. This suspension was tied to an investigation into several allegations made against him by DAA. Jacobs sought a court mandate for his reinstatement and challenged the board’s perceived bias in their decision to remove him.

Settlement Details

During the court proceedings, Mairéad McKenna, representing DAA, confirmed the case had been settled on mutually agreeable terms. DAA acknowledged the contributions of its management team and staff to the company’s success and its positive economic impact on Ireland.

• Jacobs will step down as CEO of DAA.
• Legal costs for Jacobs may be covered as part of the agreement.
• The High Court approved the settlement.

In his statement, Jacobs expressed pride in DAA’s achievements during his tenure. He highlighted record operational, commercial, and financial results, along with improvements made for passengers at Dublin and Cork airports. Jacobs also emphasized the importance of infrastructure expansion for the aviation sector’s growth and sustainability.

Investigation and Allegations

Following Jacobs’s suspension, DAA paused its investigation into complaints against him due to the legal proceedings. Jacobs claimed the board’s investigation into approximately 20 alleged issues was biased and predestined.

• Jacobs was previously investigated for two formal complaints that were not upheld.
• New allegations led to a renewed investigation against him.
• Cabinet Minister Darragh O’Brien declined to approve a nearly €1 million exit package for Jacobs.

The legal case was set to continue as the hearing for an interlocutory injunction began, with proceedings expected to stretch into a second day. DAA has chosen not to comment further, limiting its statements to those made in court.