Nicolas Schenk is chief development officer for the Noida International Airport, where he started in February 2020. With over 24 years of experience, Schenk brings extensive experience in managing mega projects. His current responsibilities include overseeing the infrastructure developments of the airport, covering the entire life cycle, encompassing strategic planning, master planning, design, implementation and construction, and engineering and maintenance. He also oversees procurement, sustainability and environment, project programming, and operational readiness and airport transfer functions.
Schenk has been working for Zurich Airport International since 2006, assuming various positions within the organisation. Initially joining the master planning department in Zurich, he later worked in Bengaluru for over two years. In addition to his responsibilities in India, he has worked on various projects in Brazil, Kazakhstan and Colombia. Since the past few years, he has been employed exclusively for Zurich Airport’s international business development division.
Schenk believes that the future of infrastructure development is leaning towards sustainability and integrating green technologies. Sustainability and environmental impact are some of the key criteria for the selection of the airport planning and design teams. This trend is likely to expand across the sector, with more projects incorporating renewable energy sources, green building materials and sustainable water and waste management systems. The integration of smart technologies into infrastructure is also likely to gain momentum. Further, internet of things, artificial intelligence and big data analytics can be leveraged to revolutionise the management and operations of infrastructure facilities.
According to Schenk, the major challenges of airport projects include their complexity and the management of large sites. Coordinating and managing logistics for diverse activities, such as the simultaneous construction of runways, terminals and sewage treatment plants, adds another layer of complexity. He believes in delegating responsibility for tasks, enabling project managers to fully utilise their potential. He also advocates for leadership through questioning, guiding the team towards finding effective solutions. Schenk is an engineer with a specialisation in integrated infrastructure planning. He has also studied business administration and engineering. A father of two girls, he finds joy in spending time with his family, visiting parks and playing sports. They enjoy travelling and have explored many beautiful places across India.