Travel restaurateur OTG names Howard Glaser as Executive Vice President

By Dermot Davitt

Howard Glaser, former aide to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, joins OTG in a senior role.

USA. Leading travel restaurateur OTG has named Howard Glaser as Executive Vice President, effective today (9 July).

Glaser, 55, comes to OTG after serving a dual role as a top aide to Governor of New York, Andrew M. Cuomo. As Director of State Operations he was Chief Operating Officer for New York State, overseeing an enterprise with a US$135 billion budget and 130,000 employees.

As Senior Policy Advisor, Glaser managed the Governor’s signature initiatives, including Superstorm Sandy recovery and key economic development efforts.

Reporting to OTG CEO Rick Blatstein, Glaser will serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team of the fast-growing F&B innovator.

“Howard is a proven leader, with an impressive track record in both the public and private sectors,” Blatstein said. “OTG is entering the largest period of growth in the company’s history. New experiences are arriving, our technology platforms are creating new demand, and opportunities at airports around the world will be coming available. Howard’s ability to see the big picture and maximize these opportunities will be a tremendous asset.”

Before his appointment by Governor Cuomo, Glaser worked in Washington, D.C. as an advisor to the financial services and real estate industry, including as General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Mortgage Bankers Association.

From 1994-2000, he served under the Clinton administration in senior roles at the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, including Counselor to the Secretary, Deputy General Counsel, and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Operations.

“It has been an honour serving Governor Cuomo and the state of New York, and I am now excited to start my journey with OTG,” Glaser said. “In my experience, I’ve seen how airports serve as gateways to our nation, reflecting the culture of the region and contributing to economic growth. OTG is ideally positioned to continue to redefine the airport experience at a global level, and I look forward to joining this outstanding team at such a promising time.”

Glaser is a graduate of Harvard Law School, and he is an adjunct professor of Management at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. He will be based out of the company’s New York City offices.