Monday, February 9, 2026
Changi Airport Group (CAG) has announced the retirement of Senior Vice President Chandra Mahtani, marking the end of her remarkable 42-year career at the iconic Singapore airport. Mahtani, who has been instrumental in shaping Changi’s airside retail operations, will officially step down on March 1, 2026. Her legacy in the airport’s commercial landscape has been pivotal in making Changi one of the world’s most renowned airports, and her retirement sets the stage for a leadership transition to drive the next phase of commercial growth.
Shaping Changi’s Airside Retail Success
Over her extensive career, Mahtani was a driving force behind the transformation of Changi Airport’s retail sector, securing pioneering partnerships and introducing innovative retail concepts that set the airport apart in the competitive global aviation industry. Under her leadership, Changi became known for its diverse range of duty-free shops, high-end boutiques, and immersive shopping experiences for travelers.
Mahtani’s leadership during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic was also crucial in guiding the airport through the global disruptions. She worked closely with brand partners to ensure Changi’s retail operations could recover as travel resumed, helping to restore passenger confidence and maintain Changi’s status as a top global destination.
A Legacy of Innovation and Mentorship
As Mahtani prepares to retire, her influence extends beyond the successes of Changi’s airside retail division. She is also remembered for her mentorship, with many of her colleagues and industry partners crediting her for their own professional growth. Her ability to nurture talent and foster strong relationships with business partners has had a lasting impact on Changi’s commercial landscape.
In her retirement announcement, CAG’s Executive Vice President for Commercial, expressed gratitude for Mahtani’s role in the company’s growth. “Her resilience, innovation, and leadership in airside retail have been pivotal in shaping Changi Airport’s success,” the statement read. “Her legacy will continue to influence how we operate and serve travelers.”
Leadership Transition to Drive Future Growth
With Mahtani’s retirement, Changi Airport Group has introduced a clear leadership transition plan to ensure continuity in its commercial operations. Hung Jean, the current Managing Director of CAG’s Commercial Division, will expand her role to oversee the entire commercial portfolio, including airside concessions, e-commerce initiatives, and further retail innovation.
Hung Jean brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously led CAG’s Experience, Development, and Enterprise Division (EDEB), where she spearheaded the development of Changi’s digital ecosystem and omnichannel retail strategies. She played a key role in the successful launch of Jewel Changi Airport, an integrated development that has redefined the airport experience for passengers.
Introducing Samantha Yuan: A Key Player in Changi’s Commercial Strategy
In addition to Hung Jean’s expanded responsibilities, Samantha Yuan will join Changi Airport Group in April 2026 as General Manager of the Planning & Leasing team. Yuan, who began her career in Changi’s Airside Concessions team, has a deep understanding of Changi’s commercial strategy and a wealth of industry experience. Her appointment further strengthens CAG’s leadership team and positions the company for continued growth in the competitive airport retail market.
Yuan’s role will include overseeing the planning and leasing of Changi’s commercial spaces, as well as driving growth in the airport’s leasing operations. Her expertise will be instrumental in shaping the future of Changi’s retail offerings, which continue to be a key attraction for travelers passing through the airport.
A Bright Future for Changi Airport’s Commercial Operations
As Changi Airport continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, the focus on innovation and sustainability remains at the core of its strategy. The leadership transition comes at a critical time, with global travel and tourism rebounding, and Changi poised to continue its leadership in the aviation and retail sectors.
With Hung Jean overseeing CAG’s commercial division and Samantha Yuan leading the planning and leasing team, Changi is set to further strengthen its position as a world-class airport. As part of its ongoing efforts to expand and diversify its offerings, CAG will continue to explore new opportunities in retail, leisure, and digital services, ensuring that it remains a key player in the global tourism industry.
Tourism at Changi Airport: A Continued Growth Story
The leadership changes at Changi Airport Group are part of a broader effort to enhance the tourism experience at Singapore’s iconic airport. Changi has long been known for its exceptional passenger services, world-class amenities, and innovative retail offerings. As travel resumes, Changi is well-positioned to continue attracting millions of travelers each year, contributing significantly to Singapore’s tourism economy.
With a focus on maintaining its competitive edge, Changi Airport Group will keep innovating to meet the changing needs of today’s travelers. Whether it’s enhancing the shopping experience, improving customer engagement through digital platforms, or developing new leisure attractions, Changi remains committed to providing an unforgettable experience for every passenger.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence at Changi Airport
As Chandra Mahtani’s tenure at Changi Airport Group comes to a close, her legacy of excellence and innovation will continue to resonate throughout the company. The leadership transition under Hung Jean and Samantha Yuan ensures that Changi’s commercial success will remain strong as the airport continues to expand its tourism offerings and redefine the travel experience for global visitors.
With a steady focus on growth, sustainability, and innovation, Changi Airport is set to remain one of the world’s top airports, offering unparalleled experiences for tourists and business travelers alike. The future of Changi is bright, and the leadership transition marks an exciting new chapter for Singapore’s iconic hub.
Tags: airport retail, airport retail innovations, Asia aviation, Chandra Mahtani, Changi Airport, Changi Airport future growth, Changi Airport retirement, Changi airside retail, Changi commercial growth, Changi leadership transition, Changi tourism news, Singapore, Singapore Tourism, Singapore Travel, tourism leadership
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