Dublin-born Dalton Philips will take on the new role at DAA - the former Dublin Airport Authority - in October, taking over from current chief executive Kevin Toland, who announced his departure in May.
Philips, who has been appointed for a seven-year term, led Morrisons between 2010 and 2015.
DAA announced yesterday that the first direct service between Ireland and the Asia-Pacific region would start next year, with Cathay Pacific launching a route between Dublin and Hong Kong.
DAA also owns Cork airport and a host of retail businesses across 10 countries.
