The DFW International Airport board named Sean Donohue, chief operating officer at Virgin Australia, as its new chief executive officer on Thursday.

Donohue is chief operating officer at Virgin Australia. He succeeds Jeff Fegan, who announced his retirement in January.

An employment contract still needs to be executed, according to a prepared statement. Donohue is expected to start as CEO in October. Fegan will continue in the interim, and help with the transition.

Besides heading Virgin Australia's Operations Division, Donohue has held several positions at United Airlines, including senior vice president of operations. He has 25 years of experience in airlines, according to the statement.