Mayor London Breed has announced the appointment of Mike Nakornkhet as the new Director of San Francisco International Airport (SFO). This decision comes after a comprehensive nationwide search. Nakornkhet will succeed Ivar Satero, who is set to retire in early 2025 after over four decades of service, including eight years as the director.
“SFO is one of the most dynamic and important airports in our country, and its success is critical to San Francisco’s economic recovery,” stated Mayor London Breed. She expressed confidence in Nakornkhet’s ability to lead, highlighting his extensive experience in the aviation industry. Breed also acknowledged Satero’s contributions, noting significant expansions at SFO during his tenure.
Nakornkhet, who currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President at Denver International Airport (DEN), expressed gratitude for his new role. “I am incredibly honored to be appointed as Airport Director of SFO by Mayor Breed and am humbled by the trust and confidence that she has placed in me to lead this extraordinary airport,” he said.
Before joining DEN, Nakornkhet spent 13 years at SFO in various roles, including Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. He holds degrees from Purdue University and Indiana University and has served as Chair of the International Airport Professional Community of Practice Executive Board.
Current SFO Director Ivar Satero praised Nakornkhet’s selection: “Mike’s prior significant contributions to SFO along with his success in helping DEN forge a path for the future makes him an outstanding choice.”
Airport Commission President Malcolm Yeung also commended Nakornkhet’s appointment: “He has big shoes to fill following in the footsteps of previous Directors…I have every confidence that Mike will not only maintain but grow our excellence at SFO.”
San Francisco International Airport is noted as the 12th largest airport in the United States with an operating budget exceeding $1.6 billion. It offers non-stop flights to numerous international destinations and connects with multiple U.S. cities through domestic airlines.
