Vantage Group today announced the appointment of Karen Ali as Chief Operating Officer at JFK Millennium Partners (JMP), the Vantage-led company selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) to manage JFK Terminal 7 and lead the development and operation of a new JFK Terminal 6, part of the PANYNJ’s $19 billion transformation of JFK airport. Ali joins Vantage’s senior leadership team at JFK with nearly 20 years of experience in operations management, project leadership, and business transformation across a range of sectors, including aviation.
Reporting to Steve Thody, CEO of JMP, Ali will develop and deliver a world-class plan that prioritizes operational excellence, guest experience, and financial performance at the existing Terminal 7 and at the new Terminal 6 when its first gates open to passengers in 2026. Key responsibilities include leading the delivery of outstanding safety, security, and operational performance, delivering an exceptional and seamless experience to all project stakeholders, maximizing commercial revenue through aeronautical and non-aeronautical programs, and implementing processes and driving metrics for JMP and its partners.
“It’s an exciting time to join our Vantage Group-JMP team as we enter a pivotal stage in T6’s development while continuing to manage a very active and thriving Terminal 7 operation,” said Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners. “Karen’s extensive experience in operations management and business growth are an excellent fit for our $4.2 bn T6 transformation, and we couldn’t be happier to have her onboard.”
“We warmly welcome Karen into her new role as COO at Vantage’s latest airport terminal transformation,” said George Casey, Vantage Group Chair and CEO and Board Chair, JFK Millennium Partners. “Karen joins a growing and dynamic group of seasoned senior leaders that are transforming transportation experiences at Vantage Group’s airport terminals, in the New York market and beyond.”
“I am excited to join the Vantage and JFK Millennium Partners team as we create a world-class new Terminal 6 at JFK,” said Karen Ali, Chief Operating Officer, JFK Millennium Partners. “I look forward to contributing to the existing operational excellence and creating innovative guest experiences that will become hallmarks of our future 1.2 million square foot terminal.”
A key member of JMP’s senior leadership team, Karen will oversee terminal operations, customer experience, budget and capital projects, risk management, and people leadership. She will also serve as a critical liaison during the Terminal 6 construction phase, collaborating with capital development and construction teams to ensure a smooth transition from old to new facilities, including coordination, testing, commissioning, and implementation.
An accomplished senior professional, Ali has held various senior management positions over nearly a decade-long period at WestJet, including Regional Operations Manager for the airline’s international operations, which included the New York airports. Additionally, as Director of Operations for Lynx Air, Ali implemented and oversaw all systems, processes, workflows, and procedures during the airline’s start-up phase. Ali most recently was COO at Avi & Co., a luxury watch retailer, where she led e-commerce, logistics, sales, and marketing strategies, increasing profitability and business performance.