Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine June/July 2024 Digital Issue
Brian Ryks,
MAC Chief Executive Officer.
Metropolitan Airports Commission Photo
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. — Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) Chief Executive Officer Brian Ryks has been selected by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for its 2024 Most Admired CEO list. Each year the list recognizes 10 Twin Cities executives for their outstanding professional successes and civic leadership.
Ryks has served as executive director and CEO of the MAC since 2016. He is responsible for the administration, management and strategic vision of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and six general aviation airports. Together, these airports comprise one of the country’s largest and most respected aviation systems. Under Ryks’ leadership, MSP has been named the “Best Airport in North America” in its size category for seven out of eight consecutive years by Airports Council International. The global analytics firm Cirium recently awarded MSP top honors for 2023 on-time performance in its annual rankings. MSP is only the second U.S. airport to win this honor in the last decade.
According to MAC Board Chair Rick King, Ryks’ focus on stakeholder engagement, constant improvement and innovation fuels the resilience and growth of MSP and the MAC system.
“Brian is a very talented leader who sets a clear vision, surrounds himself with an excellent team, and then makes sure that the team delivers superior quality services day after day,” King said. “The ongoing success of MSP and the reliever airports doesn’t happen by accident. The MAC is fortunate to have Brian leading the organization, and our region’s travelers and economy benefit from the great work of Brian and his MAC team.”
The MAC, MSP and the general aviation airports are key economic drivers for the state, employing more than 700 people and generating nearly $16 billion in regional economic impact. Ryks has provided key leadership with Greater MSP and over 30 Minnesota companies to develop the Regional Air Services Partnership for enhancing globally competitive air service at MSP. That partnership has helped MSP add significant new carriers (WestJet, Allegiant, Lufthansa, JetBlue) and routes (Seoul, Dublin, Mexico City). Ryks also has overseen $1.9 billion in airport improvement projects including expansion and remodeling of the MSP departures and arrivals areas, as well as an expanded Concourse G featuring a new Delta Sky Club.
MSP set passenger records every year of Ryks’ tenure until the pandemic struck, and Ryks has played a critical role in the airport’s robust recovery. Passenger levels rebounded in 2023 with MSP serving over 34.7 million passengers. MSP is projected to surpass 2019’s record in 2024. This sustained recovery is due in part to Ryks’ leadership in developing the MAC’s Enterprise Strategic Plan, which sets a clear course for the MAC’s future under its new purpose to “provide exceptional airport experiences so Minnesota thrives.”
Ryks is active both locally with Minneapolis-based business and civic organizations while also serving as a national leader in the aviation industry.
About The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC)
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) owns and operates one of the nation’s largest airport systems, including Minneapolis-St Paul International (MSP) and six general aviation airports. Though a public corporation of the State of Minnesota, the organization is not funded by income or property taxes. Instead, the MAC’s operations are funded by rents and fees generated by users of its airports. For more information, visit www.metroairports.org.
