Airport boss steps down
Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) CEO Glen Sowry has announced he will be retiring from his role in June 2025.
Sowry joined Queenstown Airport in September 2021 at the height of the Covid pandemic and has overseen a period of recovery for the airport.
He's also led the 10-year Strategic Plan and related Master Plan that will shape the future direction of the airport for many years into the future.
But now he's leaving, at the end of the company’s financial year.
Queenstown Airport Chair Adrienne Young-Cooper today acknowledged Sowry’s contribution and leadership of the airport over the past three years.
“I lead the recruitment for a new chief executive in 2021 and we were delighted to secure Glen Sowry, as we knew he had the track record as a strong leader and communicator and a passion for aviation that would serve Queenstown Airport very well," she says.
"Glen has been an outstanding leader and will continue to lead the team at QAC until the middle of 2025. The board has been discussing succession planning with Glen for some months as a normal part of good governance. We have commenced the recruitment process for a new chief executive and expect a smooth transition in mid-2025 to a new leader of QAC."
Adrienne Young-Cooper is herself stepping down too, after serving the maximum number of terms allowed on the board. Deputy chair Simon Flood is stepping up to her position.
Sowry says: “The past three years have been both a challenging and exciting period to have been leading Queenstown Airport. From no flights in my first week in the role, to a full recovery to pre-Covid levels, and a clearly defined strategy and Master Plan now approved and in delivery, it has been an exhilarating journey.
"I am, however, most proud of the way Queenstown Airport has recalibrated its approach to respond to the expectations and needs of the community it serves and its wide customer base through genuine and extensive engagement and consultation.
"It is a privilege to lead such an iconic airport that makes a significant contribution to the social and economic wellbeing of our district and New Zealand.
"I have enjoyed my working relationship with the QAC Board during my tenure and am delighted to see Deputy Chair Simon Flood recently appointed to succeed Board Chair Adrienne Young-Cooper from the end of this month.
"I remain fully committed to leading Queenstown Airport to the best of my abilities for the next nine months."
Incoming Queenstown Airport Board Chair Simon Flood also acknowledged Sowry’s contribution.
"Glen has made a huge contribution to the business during his tenure, which extends far beyond the airfield boundaries," he says. H
"He has firmly established Queenstown Airport’s reputation as a listening and transparent organisation that is committed to serving its communities’ best interests. When he leaves it will be with our thanks for a job done well, but until then, we have much to do, and I am looking forward to working with Glen and his very able team to ensure that Queenstown Airport remains a place that people love to travel through and that we can all take pride in."
