Meet the Founder

“An visionary leader, Cortez has the skills to transform the airport customer experience! He is a student of people in the truest sense.”

Rosemarie Andolino, Commissioner, O’Hare Int’l Airport (former)

Senor Carter is highly regarded by our Ambassador & cabinet ministers for his international cargo knowledge & expertise working with Ecuador. In our view, he is a great steward of your nation

Don Borys Mejia, Minister of Trade of Ecuador

“Cortez is the whole aviation package as a pilot, financier, concessionaire and strategist. He’s a genuine international aviation professional (IAP).”

John Clark, Senior Vice President, SSP America

“His ability to focus on the end game no matter how abstract the concept is what makes Cortez an exceptional executive.”

Miguel Southwell, General Manager, Hartsfield Jackson Int’l Airport (former)

“Adding Cortez to the team elevated both our profile & profitability as an institution.”

Steven Quasny, President, BMO Harris Bank (former)

Cortez A. Carter is a seasoned executive with a distinguished airport development and consulting career. He is the President & CEO of Axiom Development & Consulting LLC, providing strategic consulting services to airports on land use terminal concessions planning, cargo expansion, air service development, and revenue enhancement strategies.

Cortez is also an F&B concessionaire & operator. He serves as Partner and Executive Vice President at Hyde Park Hospitality, LLC, where he co-owns multiple food & beverage locations at O’Hare International Airport and leads the company's aviation practice, focusing on expanding food & beverage, retail, and lounge operations in the 20 U.S. airports.

Before founding Axiom, Cortez held key leadership roles, including Deputy General Manager at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where he directed innovative commercial real estate and concession projects, and Vice President of Business Development at SSP America, where he managed large-scale airport food & beverage projects. His extensive experience also includes executive roles in the Chicago Department of Aviation and leadership positions in real estate and banking, reflecting a career dedicated to enhancing airport operations and real estate development.

Cortez's expertise lies in maximizing non-aeronautical revenues, optimizing airport land use, and fostering strong relationships with airport stakeholders. His work has significantly contributed to the growth and development of major international airports, making him a recognized leader in the field of airport management and development.

Meet the Executive Team