Giorgio Buffa

Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director | Aviator I MBA I DBA Candidate @ Warwick Business School I Passionate for Aviation and its Sustainable growth

Italy

About

Purpose-driven aviation executive with 20 years of experience in complex international environments, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer. I see an airport not simply as infrastructure, but as a platform connecting a region to economic, social and cultural opportunity. My role is to align strategy, people and stakeholders so the airport can fulfil this role in a sustainable and credible way. My background across operations, strategy, sustainability and piloting provides a perspective that spans the cockpit, the terminal and the boardroom — balancing long-term direction with operational reality. I work to build trust among institutions, airlines, employees and the local community, enabling collaboration and clear accountability. My leadership focus is creating capable teams, clarity of purpose and consistent execution. Alongside my executive role, I pursue doctoral research on the human side of strategy implementation: how organizations implement change while preserving trust, engagement and responsibility toward future generations.

Experience

  • Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at Ancona International Airport S.p.A.
    Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

  • Hamad International Airport (9 yrs 9 mos)
    • Senior Manager HIA Operations
      Jun 2023 - Oct 2025 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      Accountable for leading and managing all the Airport’s operations, the Senior Manager Operations ensures that Hamad International Airport operates in compliance with all regulatory requirements and established policies and procedures. In the performance of the duties, reporting to the SVP Operations, the Senior Manager Operations has the authority to manage, control, steer, amend and put plans or procedures in place in the interest of safety, security, and expediency of operations working in close coordination with COO HIA, Senior Vice Presidents or other management delegates.

    • Manager Operations HIA
      Oct 2017 - Jun 2023 · 5 yrs 9 mos

    • Operations Manager HIA
      Feb 2016 - Sep 2017 · 1 yr 8 mos

      Accountable for leading and managing the Airport’s Terminal and Airside operations. He ensures that all service and quality level agreements are complied with as these apply from time to time. He is responsible for initiating all emergency and contingency procedures on behalf of HIA management until its presence at HIA.

  • Registered Instructor at International Air Transport Association (IATA)
    Nov 2014 - Oct 2025 · 11 yrs

    Providing expert instruction on: - Emergency Planning and Response for airports, airlines, and GSPs. Instructing course participants on the development of an emergency response plan (ERP), crisis management systems, response plan coordination, and drills. - Advanced Airport Operations. Essential training for airside and landside operations managers. Instructing course participants to manage and lead key airport operations with high efficiency and safety.

  • Airgest SpA - Trapani Airport Operator (5 yrs 8 mos)
    • Head of Airport Operations
      Nov 2014 - Jan 2016 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Leading the Airport operations of the Trapani civil-military airport in Sicily. Coordinating all functions of the Airport Operations department including airport communications, compliance management, emergency coordination, airfield management, surroundings control and special projects.

    • Head of Airside Operations
      Jun 2010 - Oct 2014 · 4 yrs 5 mos

      Managing all aspects of airside operations and compliance.

  • Airline Pilot at Alitalia Compagnia Aerea Italiana SpA
    Dec 2008 - Jan 2010 · 1 yr 2 mos

    Lead the flight crew for commercial flights, ensuring the safe, comfortable, on time, and efficient operation of the aircraft.