Hamilton Airport CEO to leave in January

Hamilton Airport CEO to leave in January
PRESS RELEASE
11 October 2012

Hamilton, New Zealand - Hamilton Airport Chairman, John Birch, announced today that CEO, Chris Doak, will leave the company in January 2013.

“Chris and the Board have been talking, for some time now, about the next challenges he is looking for in his career. Over the past year, in particular, Chris has led some quite significant projects which are coming to a natural end.

“With those major projects completed and many other substantial achievements under his belt, he will leave us in January to pursue the next step in his career,” said Mr Birch.

Chris Doak has held the role of Chief Executive at the Hamilton Airport for seven years. While in the role, major milestones he and his team achieved included:

• completing the $15.3M terminal upgrade in 2007
• forming Titanium Park, a property joint venture between Hamilton International Airport and McConnell Property, to develop 75ha of commercial and industrial land adjacent to the airport
• initiating the formation of the Regional Tourism Organisation in 2009, which became Hamilton Waikato Tourism - a wholly-owned subsidiary of the airport
• attracting Pacific Blue, which began international services in 2009
• sealing the airport’s general aviation runways and taxiways in support of pilot training and general aviation customers
• gaining consents in 2011 to allow the option for the airport to extend its main runway to 3,000m
• selling Stage 1 of Titanium Park and commencing Stage 2 development
•
“Chris will go out on a high note as we will announce a solid and improved annual result later this month. Looking back on his many achievements, he walks away from his time with us having accomplished all that was asked and with our best wishes for the next stage of his career,” Mr Birch said.

Mr Doak said, “I'm pleased that the airport is now in a sustainable, profitable position and that master planning outcomes and the diversification into property are beginning to add real value to the business.

“I would like to thank my past Chairmen: John Storey for his vision and for putting his trust in me initially; and Jerry Rickman who was a terrific and pragmatic Chairman. Also, I would like to thank my current Chairman, John Birch, and the Board for their guidance and support over the last few years.

“I will leave next year with the airport in good hands - with a solid and experienced team at the helm.”

Mr Birch said Hamilton Airport will not appoint a new CEO. Rather, two current senior managers will take on the additional responsibilities remaining following Mr Doak’s departure next year.

Chief Financial Officer, George Clark, has been appointed to the newly created role of General Manager Commercial. Operations Manager, Simon Hollinger, has been appointed to the new role of General Manager Operations. Both positions will report directly to the airport’s Board of Directors.

-ENDS-

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