The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is launching a global executive search following CEO Candace McGraw’s announcement that she plans to retire in June 2025.
McGraw is recognized internationally as a leader in the airport industry with more than three decades of operational and legal experience.
As CEO for 13 of her 15 years at CVG, McGraw has taken the airport to new heights. Under her leadership, CVG has become a national leader in e-commerce logistics—home to the Amazon Air mega cargo hub, its largest operation worldwide, and DHL’s Global Super Hub for the Americas, its second largest.
“This decision is very bittersweet for me. No one loves their job more. I have immense respect for the team at the airport and its mission to deliver a positive impact for a community that deserves the best. When June 2025 rolls around, I will have been in my current position for 14 amazing years. At that point, the region and airport team will be best served by a new set of eyes and energy to lead CVG to ‘New Heights,’ to paraphrase our strategic plan,” McGraw said.
In addition to leadership in many other areas across the state and internationally, McGraw serves as the 2024 chair of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce board of directors.
“It is no secret Candace is a visionary leader who has transformed the CVG airport. However, her leadership has benefited the airport and northern Kentucky and has been felt throughout the state, nation and globe. We are fortunate to have her lead the Chamber this year and congratulate her on her well-deserved retirement,” Kentucky Chamber President and CEO Ashli Watts said.
The Kenton County Airport Board, the corporate board that oversees CVG, has hired global search firm Korn Ferry to find the airport’s next leader. The board is expected to consider approval for a recommended candidate in late 2024 to allow for the transition leading to McGraw’s retirement.
