San Diego Airport Authority Names Atif Saeed as New President and CEO

Saeed brings extensive aviation leadership experience to the role, succeeding retiring CEO Kimberly Becker.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority has announced the appointment of Atif Saeed, A.A.E., IAP, as its next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2026. Saeed currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation and has held leadership roles at several major U.S. airports. He will succeed Kimberly J. Becker, who is retiring after a 40-year aviation career.

Why it matters

The San Diego International Airport is a vital economic engine for the region, and this leadership transition comes at a pivotal time as the airport continues major capital improvement projects and strategic initiatives to enhance the customer experience and strengthen the airport's regional impact.

The details

Saeed has held progressively more responsible leadership roles at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the City of Philadelphia Department of Aviation, where he oversees the planning, development, and operation of Philadelphia International Airport and Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

  • Saeed's appointment as President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority will be effective in March 2026.
  • Kimberly J. Becker, the current President and CEO, is retiring after a 40-year aviation career.

The players

Atif Saeed

Incoming President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, with extensive experience in aviation leadership roles at major U.S. airports.

Kimberly J. Becker

Outgoing President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority, retiring after a 40-year aviation career.

Gil Cabrera

Chair of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority Board of Directors.

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What they’re saying

“The San Diego County Regional Airport Authority is excited to welcome Atif Saeed as our next President and CEO. We also extend our deep gratitude to Kim Becker for her steady, visionary leadership and commitment to excellence. We look forward to building on that strong foundation under Mr Saeed's leadership.”

— Gil Cabrera, Airport Authority Board of Directors Chair

“I am honoured to be selected to serve as the next President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. San Diego International Airport plays a vital role in the region's economy, and I am impressed by the organisation's commitment to customer service and deep connection to the community. I look forward to working closely with the Board, employees, stakeholders, and the community to advance the Airport Authority's mission.”

— Atif Saeed

What’s next

Saeed will officially assume the role of President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority in March 2026, succeeding the retiring Kimberly J. Becker.

The takeaway

The appointment of Atif Saeed, an experienced aviation leader, as the new President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority signals a commitment to building on the airport's strong foundation and advancing initiatives to enhance the customer experience and strengthen the airport's regional economic impact.