Thomson Recognized Among Top Airport CFOs in North America
Thomson, who has nearly 30 years of finance and auditing experience, was noted for his leadership in shaping the IAA’s financial stability and sustainability.
INDIANAPOLIS (May 1, 2017) – Robert Thomson, senior finance director and treasurer of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, has been named Finance Professional of the Year among medium airports throughout North America.
The Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) recognized Thomson’s achievement at the Business of Airports Conference on Thursday.
Thomson, who has nearly 30 years of finance and auditing experience, was noted for his leadership in shaping the IAA’s financial stability and sustainability. His achievements include increasing funds to preserve the IAA’s capital infrastructure by 80 percent, and leading an active debt-management program that has generated more than $50 million in savings since 2013.
Thomson also was named 2016 CFO of the Year by the Indianapolis Business Journal.
“Robert has a keen understanding of how financial sustainability and capital investment go hand-in-hand in building public value,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of IAA. “He’s not afraid to explore outside of the box, and has a depth of expertise that allows us to be both nimble and prudent in a way that has put the Indy airport at the top of its game in the aviation industry.”
ACI-NA President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Burke says airports today have billions invested in infrastructure to accommodate passenger and cargo activity, facilities rehabilitation and aircraft innovation – and that requires top financial management expertise.
“These growing needs require airport finance professionals to be creative in developing sustainable financial structures to fund the necessary capital improvement programs that position their airports to best serve their passengers and communities,” said Burke.
In addition to his financial responsibilities with the IAA, Thomson also led the charge in the airport’s partnership with the White Lick Beekeepers Association to use non-aviation land to establish a bee apiary in Hendricks County. ACI also recently recognized Thomson’s apiary work with its 2017 Environmental Achievement Award for Outreach, Education, and Community Involvement.