The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation’s newly appointed president and CEO is bringing international business experience and a focus on growth as he begins leading the organization’s efforts to attract investment and create jobs across the region.
Andreas Eckstein met with residents and business leaders Tuesday evening at Amarillo City Hall, offering the community an opportunity to learn about his professional background and his plans for Amarillo’s economic future.
Eckstein was selected as the AEDC’s new president and CEO following a nationwide search that drew nearly 30 applicants. The organization launched the search process in late 2024, hiring a recruitment firm to identify candidates for the position. Eckstein was later named the sole finalist before being officially hired by the AEDC board.
His appointment comes after Interim President and CEO Doug Nelson led the organization since January 2025.
Prior to relocating to Amarillo, Eckstein spent seven years in Chicago working to strengthen business ties between Germany and the United States. His work focused on helping German companies establish operations in the U.S. while also assisting American businesses interested in expanding into German markets. During that time, he developed expertise in several key industries, including aerospace, defense and agriculture.
As he takes the helm of the AEDC, Eckstein believes Amarillo is well positioned to attract new companies because of several competitive advantages. He pointed to the region’s available land, workforce and relatively affordable energy costs as factors that make the area appealing to both domestic and international businesses.
Those strengths, he said, provide a foundation for future economic growth and offer opportunities to recruit companies seeking locations with room to expand and access to essential resources.
One of Eckstein’s primary objectives is to create new jobs while building on the work already being done by AEDC staff and local business leaders. He expressed confidence in the organization’s team and emphasized the importance of collaboration as the city pursues new economic opportunities.
Looking ahead, Eckstein sees significant potential for Amarillo to establish itself as a leader in aerospace, defense and other emerging industries. He envisions attracting companies not only from across Texas but also from other states and international markets.
Part of that strategy includes developing and strengthening the local workforce to meet the needs of industries targeted for expansion. Workforce development remains a critical component of economic growth, particularly as communities compete for major business investments and advanced manufacturing opportunities.
While recruiting new companies is often a visible part of economic development efforts, Eckstein stressed that supporting existing businesses will remain a central focus of the AEDC’s mission. He noted that many new jobs are created by companies that are already operating in a community and looking for ways to grow.
To support that goal, the organization plans to continue engaging with local business leaders to identify expansion opportunities and connect companies with resources that can help them reach new customers and markets. That includes exploring international business opportunities for Amarillo-based companies seeking to broaden their reach.
Eckstein also shared a long-term vision for the city’s growth. Over the next five years, he hopes Amarillo continues expanding and reaches a population of approximately 250,000 residents. He believes sustained population growth would make the city even more attractive to logistics providers, manufacturers and other businesses evaluating potential investment locations.
Population growth, workforce development and strategic business recruitment are all elements of a broader effort to strengthen Amarillo’s economic position and create opportunities for future generations.
As Eckstein begins his tenure, city leaders and business stakeholders will be watching closely to see how his international experience and industry connections help shape the next chapter of economic development in Amarillo. His message to residents was clear: Amarillo already has many of the ingredients businesses are looking for, and the goal now is to build on those strengths to create a stronger and more prosperous future for the region.
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