After a months-long hiring process, the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport has announced its new chief executive officer.
Lawrence J. Krauter, the current CEO of Spokane International Airport, will replace outgoing CEO Candace McGraw effective March 3, 2025.
Krauter is a graduate of The Ohio State University, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation, and has worked in airport management for more than 35 years. He has been in his current position since 2011, according to a 2023 story from the Spokesman-Review.
The story announced that Krauter won the American Association of Airport Executives’ distinguished service award, which recognizes officials for an “exemplary career and contributions” to the industry.
“Larry’s impact on our association and our industry cannot be overstated,” AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli said in that story. “His focus on leadership and professional development, along with his tireless advocacy on behalf of airports in the corridors of power will be felt for years to come.”
Upon starting, Krauter told the media he will focus on the continuation of CVG’s New Heights strategic plan — a five-year plan implemented in 2021 that outlines the airport’s goals and objectives.
“I think, from my perspective, we’re going to be continuing that work to continue to find out what we can do to leverage additional growth of our existing cargo partners, but also look at opportunities for new entrants into the cargo market here,” Krauter said.
McGraw announced her impending retirement during a January meeting of the Kenton County Airport Board. Her tenure will end in June 2025.
Consulting firm Korn Ferry, in conjunction with the airport board and several Greater Cincinnati business executives, oversaw the search and hiring process. Michael Bell, a senior client partner at Korn Ferry, headed the process.
In mid-September, the Kenton County Airport Board and Korn Ferry held three special meetings around the Greater Cincinnati area, where they interviewed and vetted candidates.
“We have really great momentum now, and that’s certainly what we want to maintain and push forward with,” Airport Board Chair Lisa Sauer said.
McGraw was appointed as CEO in 2011 after previously serving as the airport’s chief administrative officer.
As CEO, McGraw oversaw the investment and growth of CVG’s cargo sector. Since taking over, CVG has grown to become the sixth-largest cargo airport in North America and the twelfth-largest in the world, according to its website.
During her tenure, CVG expanded DHL Express’ North American superhub – one of the German shipping company’s three global shipping hubs. In addition, Amazon Air’s North American hub opened at CVG in 2021, further increasing the airport’s cargo footprint.
CVG has also seen growth in its aircraft maintenance sector. Companies such as Florida-based FEAM Aero and Epic Flight Academy have invested millions into opening training and maintenance facilities at the airport.
On the passenger side, McGraw helped expand CVG’s airline offering, including the addition of Southwest Airlines, British Airways, and Breeze Airways, as well as the opening of a Frontier Airlines crew base earlier this year.
According to a University of Cincinnati’s Economics Center study, CVG has an annual economic impact of $9.3 billion, an increase of $6 billion over the past decade.
