Current Position: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Abu Dhabi Airports
Professional Experience:
Elena Sorlini brings over two decades of extensive experience in the aviation industry. She currently holds the position of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, where she has been serving in an interim capacity since June 2023 before her permanent appointment.
Career Journey:
- ADQ: Before joining Abu Dhabi Airports, Sorlini served as the Executive Director of Transport and Logistics at ADQ. Here, she was responsible for overseeing the strategy and operational framework of the aviation and logistics portfolio, working closely with the asset management team to maximize shareholder value and achieve strategic goals (ADAC) (Abu Dhabi Aviation).
- Oman Aviation Group: As Vice President of Group Corporate Strategy, she played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of the organization (Forbes ME) (Abu Dhabi Aviation).
- Copenhagen Airports: Sorlini served as the Strategy Director, where she was integral in formulating and implementing strategic initiatives (ADAC).
- Macquarie Airports: In her role as Vice President, she managed asset activities for some of the largest private airports globally, including Rome Airports and Copenhagen Airports (ADAC) (Abu Dhabi Aviation).
Board Memberships: Elena Sorlini is an influential figure on several boards, including:
- Etihad Airways
- Abu Dhabi Aviation
- ADQ Aviation and Aerospace Services
- Global Aerospace Logistics (GAL)
- AMMROC (ADAC) (Abu Dhabi Aviation).
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration: Bocconi University, specializing in Planning and Control.
- Master’s Degree in Corporate Finance: Bocconi University.
- Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA): Copenhagen Business School (ADAC) (Abu Dhabi Aviation).
Achievements and Vision:
Elena Sorlini has been recognized for her strategic leadership and ability to drive growth. Her tenure at Abu Dhabi Airports has been marked by significant developments, including the inauguration of the new terminal at Zayed International Airport, which aims to enhance passenger capacity and improve service quality. Under her leadership, Abu Dhabi International Airport has seen a substantial increase in passenger traffic and connectivity (Forbes ME) (Forbes ME).
Sorlini's vision for Abu Dhabi Airports focuses on unlocking the full growth potential of Abu Dhabi’s tourism and trade industry. She is committed to positioning Abu Dhabi International Airport as one of the world’s top airports, meeting the highest standards of quality for passengers (Forbes ME).
Personal Insights:
Elena Sorlini is known for her goal-oriented approach and hands-on management style. Her ability to influence at both strategic and operational levels has earned her a reputation as a transformative leader in the aviation industry. She continues to inspire through her dedication to excellence and her strategic foresight in navigating the complexities of the aviation sector.
