Emirates Group has announced a key leadership change at dnata, with Nabil Sultan set to take over as Chief Executive Officer from 15 June 2026. His appointment marks a significant transition for the global aviation services and ground handling company, which operates under the Emirates Group umbrella.

Nabil Sultan brings decades of experience within the Emirates Group to his new role. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management at Emirates. Before that, he spent more than ten years leading Emirates SkyCargo as Divisional Senior Vice President, playing a major role in strengthening the airline’s global cargo operations and expanding its international freight network.

He will succeed Steve Allen, who has led dnata since March 2021. During his tenure, Allen guided the company through a challenging recovery period for the aviation industry while supporting the continued growth of dnata’s global cargo, ground handling and travel operations. Since joining the Emirates Group in 2009, he has held several senior leadership positions across airport operations, cargo services and hospitality businesses in the UAE.

From 2016 onward, Allen oversaw dnata’s airport and cargo operations in the UAE before later taking charge of the company’s international travel division in 2020, where he helped drive its transformation and expansion strategy. Prior to joining the Emirates Group, he spent 16 years with British Airways in a variety of commercial, operational and finance-related roles.

The leadership transition comes at a critical period for the aviation industry as airlines and logistics providers continue to navigate challenges linked to regional instability, disruptions in Middle East airspace and ongoing pressure on global supply chains. Sultan’s appointment reflects the Emirates Group’s continued focus on promoting experienced internal leaders as dnata expands its international presence across aviation services, cargo logistics and travel management.