Deputy chair steps up to airport role
Simon Flood is the new chair of the board that runs Queenstown Airport.
Queenstown-based Flood has been promoted from his deputy chair role to replace outgoing chair Adrienne Young-Cooper, who stepping down from Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) board of directors after serving the maximum number of terms allowed.
Flood was appointed a director back in 2019, when the board was criticised for being too heavily stacked with Aucklanders.
The former Merrill Lynch funds manager has been a business leader, investor and financial analyst for almost 30 years. In 2016, he unsuccessfully challenged MP Todd Barclay to be the National Party's candidate for the then-Clutha Southland seat, which covers Queenstown.
"It has been a great pleasure to serve on the Queenstown Airport board over the past five years and I am grateful to have been selected as Chair for the remainder of my term," Flood says.
"It has been a privilege to work under the leadership of Adrienne Young-Cooper who has contributed so much to the Board and the business during her tenure and leaves the business in a much stronger place.
"As a local, I recognise the importance of Queenstown Airport to our community, acting as it does as a gateway to the region for both our fellow Kiwis, as well as those who travel sometimes thousands of miles just to have the opportunity to take in the beauty of the place we call home."
Queenstown Airport is in the early stages of an $350 million expansion and remodelling project, detailed in its 10-year masterplan.
The plan, which includes a parallel taxiway, another aircraft parking stand, runway safety improvements, and the relocation of helicopter and fixed wing aircraft.
It will enable a 33% increase in passenger movements (arrivals and departures), from the current 2.3 million per year to 3.2m. That includes 4000 more scheduled flight movements, increasing from 17,900 to 22,112. There'll also be 7000 more non-scheduled flight movements and a 15% increase in the size of the terminal, from 18,000sqm to 21,0000sq.
“As we look to the future, there is much to do as we embark on the delivery of the masterplan while continuing to serve the air transport connectivity needs that are so important to the region," Flood says.
"My colleagues on the Board and I take our responsibility as custodians of the airport very seriously and we look forward to working with QAC’s outstanding team led by Glen Sowry as we work together to ensure that our airport remains an asset that our communities love to travel through as well as take pride in.”
Queenstown Lakes District Council is the major shareholder in QAC, with 75.01%, with Auckland International Airport Ltd holding the remaining the shares. QLDC appoints board members and approves the election of the chair, at the council-controlled organisation.
Queenstown's Mayor Glyn Lewers confirmed that councillors approved the appointment after an recruitment process facilitated by external consultants.
“I would like to take this opportunity to formally congratulate Simon," Lewers says.
"As QAC gets well underway with the implementation of its aspirational masterplan, Simon brings to the Chair a wealth of experience, strong leadership and continuity for both the Board and the company.
"The Governance Subcommittee was unanimous in making its recommendation which reflects Simon’s depth in safety and operations, financial acumen and overall understanding of the business and industry. He has continued to focus on a positive relationship with Council and regularly fronts up with Councillors at meetings and workshops."
Flood’s election will be formalised at the 30 October 2024 Annual General Meeting of the QAC which will see Young-Cooper step down. Lewers added his thanks on behalf of QLDC and the elected council to Young-Cooper.
QAC Chief Executive Glen Sowry says: “Simon has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities Queenstown Airport faces in the years ahead.
"With a clearly defined 10-year strategy and Master Plan, the broad depth of experience and capability Simon brings to the leadership of the organisation will be invaluable to ensuring the airport is able to best serve the region in the future."
