Executive Management

Chief Executive Officer
Mohamed Yousif Al Binfalah
On joining the company in 2012, driven by a clear vision to elevate and position Bahrain International Airport as a friendly and efficient regional hub, Mohamed has led the team working jointly with the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications since 2014 to deliver the $1.1bn Bahrain International Airport Modernization Program with the aim of enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and sustaining the growth of Bahrain’s aviation sector in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Mohamed holds a position as Board Member and Chairman of Airport Council International (ACI) World Governing Board (WGB) and Audit Committee as well as the first deputy on Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Board.
Mohamed holds a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA in Business Administration and married with three children.

Ayman Zainal
Chief Commercial Officer
Ayman Zainal is responsible for all commercial operations and overall airport revenue. As Chief Commercial Officer his role also involves business development as well as mergers and acquisitions.
As a Master's in Business Administration and Bachelor in Computer Science, Ayman brings a variety of skills to the table. He enjoys working in a dynamic organization that lets him fully utilize his managerial experience, financial skills, and analytical background to fulfill core business objectives.

Ali Rashed
Chief Airport Operations Officer
Ali Rashed joined BAC in 2017 to ensure that the customer service and travel experience are improved through efficient, safe, and timely airport operations that are in compliance with regulatory requirements and international best practices.
He has 27 years of overseas experience in various aviation streams including Etihad Airways, Bahrain Airport Services (BAS), British Airways, and Gulf Air. He achieved the station award for the world record of on-time performance with zero shipped baggage, and multiple awards for performance and personal achievements.

Lionnel Maugis
Chief Development and Technical Officer
Lionnel Maugis has 30 years of global experience in airport management, strategic consulting, and capital project delivery. Holding leadership roles over the past decade at the French Civil Aviation Authority with Egis and Paris Airport Group (ADPI), he also served in executive positions at Maldives and Sofia Airports, leading major capital development programs and overseeing compliance as the accountable manager.
He has advised institutions like Eurocontrol, the European Commission, ASECNA, and ECAC on aviation safety and security. Since 2008, he has been involved in GCC airport development, including as Resident Project Manager for the Bahrain Airport Modernization Program.

Leena Faraj
Vice President - Corporate Strategy and Support
Leena Faraj plays a pivotal role in strategy implementation, business improvement, and ensuring overall standards of quality. Her role includes setting targets, measuring performance against targets, and even creating initiatives to meet those targets effectively.
Leena comes on board with a repertoire of experience having worked with American Express, Trust international and EDB.

Hesham Zaman
Vice President - Development & Technical
Hesham Zaman joined Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) in 2011 and is currently Vice President – Development & Technical. He manages and coordinates all development and technical projects at Bahrain International Airport and oversees BAC’s Warehouse Department. With over 25 years of experience in both private and public sectors, he brings extensive expertise to his role.
He was among the first Bahrainis to complete the International Professional Accreditation Programme in Airport Management (AMPAP), a globally recognized program supervised by Airports Council International (ACI) and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Eyad Ismaeel
Vice President - Facility Management
Eyad Ismaeel leads the strategic direction and operational excellence of all facility management functions. He expertly oversaw the seamless integration of the new airport facility, ensuring uninterrupted operations at Bahrain International Airport.
Eyad is certified by both the ACI-ICAO Airport Management Professional Accreditation Programme (AMPAP) and the Middle East Facility Management Association (MEFMA) as a Certified Facility Manager (CFM). His blend of technical expertise and strategic vision makes him a vital asset to Bahrain Airport Company.

Ali AlJowder
Vice President – Hospitality
With more than 20 years of distinguished experience across both public service and the private sector, Ali has a proven track record in building high-performing teams, developing strategies and initiatives, delivering premium services, and driving customer excellence. His expertise spans reputation management, strategic partnerships, and the coordination of major national events in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Throughout his career, Ali has held several leadership roles, most recently serving as Director of Analysis & Follow-up within the Government of Bahrain. Prior to that, he was Head of Priority Banking at the National Bank of Bahrain, where he focused on strengthening relationships, enhancing service delivery, and building customer trust.