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Tag: Women in Business

  • Black Woman CEO to Lead $120M Airport Concessionaire

    Get ready for a new era in airport concessions! Nikki Tinsley Harland, a seasoned leader with a proven track record in the travel retail industry, is set to become the next CEO of Concessions International (CI). This marks a significant moment as CI is one of America’s largest Black-owned airport concessionaires, and Harland will be breaking barriers as its new top executive.

    A Legacy of Growth and Innovation

    Harland will be taking the reins from Donata Russell Ross, who is retiring next month after an impressive 12 years as CEO and 42 years with the company. Under Ross’s leadership, CI has grown into a powerhouse with an annual revenue of $120 million and employs 1,100 people. During her tenure, the firm expanded its airport presence, integrated popular national brands, and championed opportunities for women and minority business participation.

    CI currently serves over 30 brands across nearly 40 locations in eight airports. Ross will continue to support the transition as the board chair of H.J. Russell & Co., assisting Tinsley Harland until late Q1 2026. Ross expressed full confidence in her successor, calling Tinsley Harland the “ideal person to lead CI into the future.”

    A New Leader with Deep Industry Roots

    Tinsley Harland brings 12 years of leadership experience in the travel retail sector, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Paradies Lagardère, another prominent Atlanta-based airport concessionaire. CI specifically cited Harland’s ability to drive growth, foster innovation, and lead with integrity as key reasons for her selection.

    She was chosen by a CEO search committee comprised of Russell Ross’s brothers, Michael B. Russell and H. Jerome Russell. These siblings are the children of the late Herman J. Russell, the legendary Atlanta businessman who founded H.J. Russell & Co. in 1952. Today, led by CEO Michael Russell, H.J. Russell & Co. stands as one of the nation’s largest Black-owned construction firms and is a consistent presence on BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Top 100 list.

    Building on a Strong Foundation

    Concessions International itself was founded 46 years ago by H.J. Russell and two partners. Russell eventually bought out his partners in 1999, making CI a fully family-owned enterprise. Tinsley Harland expressed her excitement to join CI, stating, “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.”

    What are your thoughts on Nikki Tinsley Harland taking the helm at Concessions International? Do you think her leadership will bring new innovations to airport concessions? Share your insights in the comments below!

  • S.MAB Group Appoints New CEO, Continues Female Leadership

    Get ready for some exciting news out of South Africa! The S.MAB Group, a trailblazing company known for its commitment to diversity and female leadership, has just announced a significant change at the top. This move not only brings fresh energy but also reinforces their dedication to empowering women in business.

    A New Leader Steps In

    As of September 3rd, Glad Dibetso has officially taken the helm as the new CEO of S.MAB Group. This appointment marks a new chapter for the diversified agency and training academy, which has a strong presence in healthcare placement, aviation training, property, and uniform design. Dibetso is set to bring a wealth of experience in scaling organizations and driving transformative change.

    Dibetso shared her vision for the future, stating, “As I step into the role of CEO of S.MAB Group, my vision is clear: scale with impact. We are building a stronger, more connected organisation that expands beyond today into the future of healthcare and beyond.”

    Maintaining a Legacy of Female Empowerment

    What’s truly inspiring is that S.MAB Group remains proudly majority female-owned and led. Founder Snoekie Mabena-Saleh will continue to guide the company as chairperson, while former CEO Koketso Dibetso is stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer. This strategic shift allows Koketso to focus on innovation and operational excellence.

    Mabena-Saleh emphasized this continuity, saying, “Glad’s appointment as CEO reflects our commitment to growth, innovation, and opportunity. Even as we evolve, S.MAB remains proudly majority female-owned and led. Our next chapter is about scaling with purpose.”

    A Look Back at S.MAB’s Growth

    The S.MAB Group’s journey began in 1999 when Snoekie Mabena-Saleh founded S.MAB Agency, making it South Africa’s first Black female-owned nursing agency. Over more than two decades, the company has blossomed into a multi-faceted enterprise.

    • S.MAB Agency: Connecting healthcare professionals with opportunities.
    • S.MAB Training Academy: Offering a flight attendant program with a 100% pass rate.
    • S.MAB Properties: Focusing on student housing, rentals, and property investments.
    • S.MAB Designs: Specializing in high-quality uniforms and apparel.

    The COO, Koketso Dibetso, highlighted the strength in their diverse brands: “At S.MAB, our strength lies in the diversity of our brands and the impact they create.” She added that her focus as COO is on ensuring each business grows while prioritizing innovation and care.

    Future Expansion Plans

    Looking ahead, the S.MAB Group has ambitious plans for expansion. The immediate focus is on opening new offices in Limpopo and Mpumalanga (Mbombela). This strategic move aims to bring their essential services closer to the healthcare professionals and clients who rely on them, ensuring that excellence is always within reach.

    What do you think about S.MAB Group’s new leadership and expansion plans? Share your thoughts in the comments below!