When Larry Krauter was 11 years old, he made the early decision that he’d attend Ohio State University and study aviation. His childhood experiences watching his father’s business travels influenced his interest in aviation and sparked a fascination with airports that would later shape his career. “I was also able to fly with my dad from time to time on some of his trips,” he says. “I recall being brought up to the cockpit of an Eastern Airlines 727 to meet the flight crew and receive my plastic wings.”
Fast forward 36 years: Krauter has spent his career in aviation and is preparing to take the reins at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) as its new CEO, succeeding Candace McGraw, who is retiring after 15 years at the helm. Krauter comes to the region from Spokane’s Airport System, where he served as CEO since 2011.
This new chapter marks a significant transition for CVG, which has grown to become a major player in both passenger and cargo operations. “I am humbled and excited to join the CVG team,” says Krauter. “I look forward to working with the board, staff, and community to continue to build on the outstanding progress that CVG has made as a regional economic engine and as an organization known for innovation and customer service.”
CVG board chair Lisa Sauer says the search committee’s goal was to find a seasoned aviation professional for the next CEO. “We found that in Larry Krauter,” she says. “Candace McGraw has led this organization to new heights, and the transition to Larry will ensure that we continue to meet our mission to elevate and redefine the role of our airport.”
Krauter takes over a CVG that’s been flying high for years. McGraw has improved economic activity at the airport by reducing airfares, luring low-cost airlines, diversifying revenue streams through cargo carriers DHL and Amazon, and developing vacant land. CVG welcomed 8.7 million travelers in 2023, a 15 percent increase from the previous year. The airport currently offers flights to more than 55 nonstop destinations via 14 airlines, including transatlantic flights to London and Paris, and is North America’s sixth-largest cargo airport with two global air hubs.
Krauter views airports as more than utilities and believes innovative transportation and logistics solutions are driven by airports and their business partners, leading to increased economic development for the surrounding region. He sees even more opportunities for growth here.
He will assume the CEO role in March while working alongside McGraw during a transition period to ensure leadership continuity. “I am eager to join in these efforts and to work hard toward achieving our collective vision to grow existing businesses, recruit new business, fuel the talent pipeline and promote tourism,” he says.
Illustration by Li Zhang