San Francisco, CA—Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced the appointment of Ivar C. Satero as Director of the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), following the retirement of Director John L. Martin who has led the world class international airport for the last 20 years. Satero is currently the Chief Operating Officer of SFO and formerly held the position of Deputy Director for Design and Construction. His appointment is effective July 18, 2016.

“The San Francisco International Airport is our City’s gateway to the world, and I am confident that Ivar Satero’s tremendous achievements and experience will ensure SFO continues to meet the needs of a growing airport that serves 50 million passengers and generates $36 billion in economic activity for the region,” said Mayor Lee. “SFO has been transformed under John Martin’s leadership and innovative service for the last two decades. I look forward to working together with Ivar and the Airport Commission on our investment in the future of our airport, taking it to new heights, for our residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come.”

Satero has worked with SFO for the last 22 years as Chief Operating Officer, as Deputy Airport Director for Design and Construction, and prior to this as Program Manager, developing, maintaining and operating one of the fastest growing airports in the world. Satero led the development of the Airport’s five-year strategic plan. Prior to SFO, Satero worked at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission as Project Engineer, engineering projects for Muni Railway and Hetch Hetchy Water and Power as well as at the Department of Public Works as Project Engineer. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from San Jose State University and a Master’s in Business Administration in Finance from San Francisco State University.

Satero was selected after a national search for SFO’s next airport director, which was conducted for several months. Martin, who spent 35 years at the Airport, will guide the transition of the new leadership at SFO.

For the past seven years, SFO has been one of the fastest growing airports in the world – currently approaching a record 50 million passengers per year, and is the top concession revenue producer per passenger of any U.S. airport.

SFO continues to plan for the future, with $4.4 billion of new capital projects currently under way, including a new air traffic control tower (completed), a new Terminal 1, a new 350-room hotel, and numerous cargo and service-related buildings.

Satero will continue to focus on the design of a new Terminal 1, the new Airport hotel and major improvements to Terminal 3, and a major renovation of the International Terminal.