The company was founded 45 years ago by the late H.J. Russell and two business partners – Felker W. Ward Jr. and Jesse Hill Jr. In 1999, Russell bought out his two partners, and CI became totally family-owned.
Donata Russell Ross, one of H.J. Russell’s three children, has had a 42-year career with Concessions International. She will retire as its CEO, a role she has held since 2013.
A search committee for a new CEO included Russell Ross and her two brothers, H. Jerome Russell and Michael B. Russell.
They selected Nikki Tinsley Harland, chief operating officer of Paradies Lagardère, as the company’s new CEO. Tinsley Harland has worked for 12 years in the travel retail industry.
“We couldn’t have found a more perfect candidate to be my successor,” Russell Ross said in a statement. “With her Atlanta roots, knowledge of the industry, leadership skills, innovative spirit, and proven track record, she is the ideal person to lead CI into the future and take CI to the next level.”
Russell Ross will continue as the board chair of H.J. Russell & Co., and she will be available to help Tinsley Harland during the leadership transition. That transition is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Under Russell Ross’ tenure at the company, CI expanded its airport presence in the United States and the Virgin Islands. It also added national brands while increasing women and minority business participation. Russell Ross was also able to lead the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted airport travel beginning in March 2020.
“It has been the privilege of my career to lead CI,” Russell Ross said, “and I have every confidence in Nikki and in the bright future ahead for the company.”
In 2024, Tinsley Harland was named Woman of the Year by Airport Experience News (AXN). Interestingly, Russell Ross was named as the 2025 AXN Woman of the Year.
“I am excited to join Concessions International as CEO and build upon the incredible foundation and legacy established by those who came before me, and particularly by Donata, who has served as an industry role model for so many of us,” Tinsley Harland said in a release.
She went on to say that she is looking forward to working with the talented team at CI.
“I know for sure that we will continue to take CI to the next level, ensuring that it delivers strong results and is one of the best places to work,” Tinsley Harland said.
Concessions International is a food and beverage operator, serving more than 20 national and regional brands, including quick-service, casual dining, bars, delis, snacks, and café concessions at nearly 40 locations in eight airports.
Click here to learn more about the history of the company.
Thank you Maria! It’s always a pleasure reading important Atlanta news in the Saporta Report! You’re a legend too!