Loading

Change of Leadership at Wellington Airport

Analysis

A change of leadership will take place at Wellington Airport

during the course of this year with the departure of Simon Draper and appointment

of Steven Fitzgerald.

Simon Draper, who has been CEO of Wellington Airport since early 2004, will be moving to Australia as CEO of another Infratil company, Victoria Electricity. Steven Fitzgerald, CEO of Infratil Airports Europe, will take on a new role running Wellington Airport as well as Infratil's European airports. He will be based in Wellington.

Steven has been CEO of Infratil Airports Europe since early 2005. That group has grown to include Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Kent International Airport and Lubeck Airport. Prior to joining Infratil Airports Europe, Steven held several senior positions at Sydney Airport. It is expected he will relocate to Wellington at the beginning of 2008.

Simon Draper is also staying within the Infratil group, joining the growing energy business in Australia. Prior to his role at Wellington Airport, Simon was a senior executive at Integral Energy, one of the largest electricity retailers in New South Wales. He will remain at Wellington Airport until the end Jul-07 and will take up the position as CEO of Victoria Electricity at the beginning of Sep-07. Owing to his ongoing role in the Infratil group, he will continue to provide advice and assistance to the Wellington Airport management and Board.

Under Simon's leadership, Wellington Airport initiated a period of investment in safety, travel promotion and better facilities that are able to accommodate growth. This included new initiatives in tourism promotion and air services as well as development of the terminal and the runway safety extension. Wellington Airport has a strong outlook and Steven Fitzgerald will continue with the management of the airport's ongoing developments.

Want More Analysis Like This?

CAPA Membership provides access to all news and analysis on the site, along with access to many areas of our comprehensive databases and toolsets.
Find Out More