Concessions International is one of the country's largest Black-owned airport concessionaires
Concessions
International, LLC, recently announced that Donata Russell Ross, who has been with
the company for 42 years and has led it as the Chief Executive Officer since
2013, will retire on October 6, 2025. The CEO search committee, which included
Russell Ross' brothers, Michael B. Russell and H. Jerome Russell, the children
of the late co-founder Herman J. Russell, unanimously chose Nikki Tinsley
Harland, a seasoned industry leader in the travel retail industry sector, as
the company’s next CEO. She will assume the role effective Oct. 6, 2025.
During Russell Ross's tenure, CI increased airport presence, added national brands, increased women
and minority business participation, and successfully managed the company
through COVID-19 in airport environments across the country and in the Virgin
Islands. Russell Ross will continue to serve as the Chair of the Board of H. J.
Russell & Company and will be available to Tinsley Harland throughout the
transition, which is expected to be complete by the end of Q1 2026.
“We couldn't have found a more perfect candidate to be my successor,” said
Russell Ross. “With her Atlanta roots, knowledge of the industry, leadership
skills, innovative spirit, and proven track record, she is the ideal person to
lead CI into the future and take CI to the next level.”
Nikki brings 12 years of leadership experience in the travel retail industry,
most recently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Paradies Lagardère.
Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her ability to drive growth,
foster innovation, and lead with integrity. She was most notably the 2024
Airport Experience News (AXN) Woman of the Year, and Russell Ross is the 2025
AXN Woman of the Year.
“I am excited
to join Concessions International as CEO and build upon the incredible
foundation and legacy established by those who came before me, and particularly
by Donata, who has served as an industry role model for so many of us,” said
Tinsley Harland. “I look forward to working with the talented team at CI to
deliver excellence and innovation in our industry. I know for sure that we will
continue to take CI to the next level, ensuring that it delivers strong results
and is one of the best places to work.”
Russell Ross added, “It has been the privilege of my career to lead CI, and I
have every confidence in Nikki and in the bright future ahead for the company.”
ABOUT CONCESSIONS INTERNATIONAL, LLC
Built on a foundation of integrity, hard work, respect, and an unparalleled
legacy of serving excellence, family-owned and operated Concessions
International, LLC (CI) offers 45 years of exceptional experiences and proven
food and beverage concessions performance in some of the busiest airports
across the United States and in the Virgin Islands. As a dynamic food and
beverage operator, we serve more than 30 national, regional, and proprietary
brands, including quick-service, casual dining, bars, delis, snacks, and café
concessions at nearly 40 locations in eight airports. Visit www.cintl.com for more
information about CI.