Know more about us and our leadership
About the Company
Meet Our Executive Management Team
Daniel Bircher
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)
Daniel Bircher has been responsible for Zurich Airport’s International Business since May 2021. His role includes strategic development of international business and supervision of the airports and subsidiaries of Zurich Airport Ltd. abroad.
A Swiss citizen born in 1968, he has worked for Zurich Airport Ltd. since 2006. From 2011, he served as the Director of Operations at Bangalore International Airport in India and from 2018 to 2021 he held the post of CEO of Zurich Airport Asia in Malaysia.
Christoph Schnellmann
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Christoph has been associated with Zurich Airport since 2007, when he was involved in the opening of Bangalore International Airport. He brings a broad experience of managing airports and airport services across international markets and a track record of setting new standards for quality, safety, and efficiency of airport operations, improving business units’ financial performance, and driving corporate transformations.
Prior to joining NIA, Christoph worked for Swissport International, the world’s largest provider of ground handling and cargo handling services, with responsibility for the group’s operations at over 100 airports in the EMEA region. He has worked and lived in various locations across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Christoph holds a master’s degree in Philosophy and Mathematics from the University of Zurich.
Kiran Jain
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Kiran brings over 30 years of leadership in aviation and hospitality, with expertise in air service development, aero-commercial strategy, airport operations, and government affairs across India and the United States.
She has led strategic growth and route expansion at Delhi International Airport and several U.S.-based airports. In 2024, she was recognised by the President of India as one of the "51 Extraordinary Women" in aviation.
Kiran holds degrees in International Business and Political Science from Marymount - Fordham University, New York.
Nitu Samra
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
A Chartered Accountant with over 25 years of experience, she has worked across financial and asset management, leasing, and other service sectors with organizations such as LeasePlan India, Fidelity International, and India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation.
At NIA, she oversees financial planning, reporting, funding, procurement, and compliance, while shaping the airport’s long-term financial strategy. Nitu holds a degree in Commerce from Delhi University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Nicolas Schenk
Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Nicolas brings over 25 years of experience in infrastructure development and leads all capex-related aspects of Noida International Airport’s growth. He also oversees ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer), maintenance, engineering, as well as sustainability initiatives.
Previously, he led projects at Zurich Airport Group across South America and Asia, earning recognition for advancing sustainable, digital solutions in airport design and implementation. Nicolas holds a degree in Integrated Infrastructure Planning and a Master’s in Business Administration and Engineering from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
Prashant Gaurav Gupta
Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)
Prashant brings over two decades of diverse experience across luxury hospitality, premium retail, and real estate.
Before joining NIA, he spent 17 years in senior leadership roles at ITC Hotels, where he led key initiatives in luxury dining and hospitality, elevating guest experiences across the portfolio.
He went on to lead the luxury vertical at DLF Limited, where he was instrumental in shaping landmark retail destinations like DLF Emporio and The Chanakya. His core strengths span strategic brand positioning, luxury retail development, and crafting experiential environments that set new standards for premium consumer engagement in India.
At NIA, he is shaping a dynamic commercial ecosystem that integrates retail, hospitality, mobility and real estate to deliver a world-class airport experience - positioning NIA not just as a transit point, but as a vibrant lifestyle destination.
