Sarajevo Airport gets new CEO

Thursday, January 28, 2016

The Federation government of Bosnia and Herzegovina has named the new acting Managing Director of Sarajevo Airport. Armin Kajmaković replaces his predecessor Ivica Veličan. Mr Kajmaković was previously the head of the airport's Cargo Centre. Mr Veličan leaves a mixed legacy behind him. While Sarajevo Airport saw record passenger numbers during his tenure, the federal police also launched an investigating into various business dealings made by the management of Sarajevo Airport, including unlawful employment, acquisition of goods without necessary tender procedures, opening of new duty free areas without permits and nepotism. Mr Veličan was named as Sarajevo Airport’s CEO in the summer of 2011 while he was still Croatia Airlines’ country manager for Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, Mr Veličan served both positions for several months leading to a direct conflict of interest. In addition, the CEO did not meet the needed requirements for the position since he did not possess a university degree. This saw the airport’s Board of Directors swiftly adjust the requirements needed for the top job. Mr Veličan’s son, Darjan, who was working at the airport’s cargo centre when his father was appointed CEO, was promoted to the airport’s head of marketing. Darjan Veličan is under investigation for his involvement in the robbery of the airport’s cargo facilities and has been linked to several other criminal investigations. Police are also looking into the purchase of airport vehicles without necessary tender procedures which are required by law.