Kim Day is the CEO of Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado's largest economic engine and the 6th busiest airport in the United States with 1,600 flights a day to nearly 180 destinations in eight countries. She oversees making Denver competitive in the global aviation market by driving commercial and operational growth, air service development and an overarching vision for the future of DEN.

 

Kim's leadership and background in architecture were instrumental in completing the original vision for the airport that began more than 22 years ago for a hotel and rail connectivity. Kim spearheaded a plan for a high-end hotel connected to DEN's main terminal. In November 2015, DEN opened a 519-room Westin hotel. The hotel exceeded the most ambitious expectations in its first two years, attracting conferences, travelers and even weddings. It's location adjacent to the terminal and over a new transit center provide unparalleled connectivity for travels and locals alike.

 

In April 2016, commuter rail service began between DEN's new transit center and downtown Denver via the Regional Transportation District's A Line. The rail connection provided an opportunity for Transit Oriented Developments at two stations on DEN property, which attracted Panasonic Enterprise Solutions to relocate its headquarters to Denver. DEN's transit center - steps away the airport's main terminal - and its open-air plaza will have a lasting, positive impact on this airport and the region for decades to come.  

 

Through Kim's vision and leadership, DEN has engaged in a unique public-private partnership to overhaul the airport's main terminal. The 34-year, $1.8 billion agreement will enable the main terminal to accommodate DEN's enormous growth, reclaim its original vision as a passenger oasis, and create a new model for the modern aviation security experience. The project is set to begin construction in 2018.