High-level airport staffer to lead international trade, development for Denver

Denver International Airport vice president Eric Hiraga will become the next executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development.

Andrew Kenney

Aug. 08, 2017, 1:51 p.m.

Eric Hiraga will leave his job as chief of staff and vice president at Denver International Airport to become the next executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development, Mayor Michael Hancock announced today.

In his new job, Hiraga will be in charge of ensuring that Denver’s economy is producing new jobs, housing and skilled workers, and that the city government is helping businesses.

“By staying true to our values, we are extending economic opportunity to everyone,” Hancock said of the city’s mission.

Hiraga also will be working on expanding international trade from Denver. In making the move, he’s returning to the office where he worked early in his career.

At DIA, Hiraga negotiated business deals and recruited new airlines, among other responsibilities. The University of Colorado graduate starts his new job on Sept. 5.

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