New Queenstown Airport director
Former Solid Energy boss Don Elder has been appointed to the Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) board.
Dr Elder was confirmed as a director at QAC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 30 October. A former Rhodes Scholar and Fellow of Engineering NZ and NZ Institute of Management, he was the CEO of state-owned coal mining enterprise Solid Energy for 12 years. It collapsed in 2015 after falling coal prices left it unable to pay almost $400 million of debt, marking the end of state coal mining in NZ
Dr Elder’s current directorships include Pioneer Energy, Wenita Forestry, Canterbury Seismic, and several social service charities. He and his wife reside mainly in Wānaka where his interests include tramping, mountain biking, trail running, tennis, skiing and sailing.
Dr Elder says he's very excited by the opportunity to join the board.
“The strategic future of Queenstown Airport is intrinsically linked with the future of our district and wider region," he says. "QAC’s ten-year plan describes an innovative airport that serves the region well. I’m looking forward to supporting my colleagues on the board and the management team in delivering this vision for QAC’s shareholders and the local community.”
He fills a vacant position on the board following the internal election of Simon Flood as Chair in September. Flood replaced Adrienne Young-Cooper who stepped down from the role – and the board – after completing the maximum number of terms under QAC’s constitution.
“Queenstown Airport is an important infrastructure asset for the district, and I’m delighted someone of Don’s experience and capability has been attracted to the board. We look forward to welcoming him to Queenstown Airport and working alongside him,” Flood says.
In addition to his appointment, two existing QAC directors – Andrew Blair and Mike Tod – were reappointed at the AGM.
Queenstown Airport is a Council-Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO) with two shareholders – Queenstown Lakes District Council (75.1%) and Auckland Airport (24.9%). It is managed by QAC and governed by a Board of Directors.
Mayor Glyn Lewers says: "Don was a stand-out candidate with a wealth of experience and knowledge. His long governance experience in transport, infrastructure and major projects, energy, construction, finance, tech startups and risk management will add further depth to the board’s expertise in key areas as the airport continues to deliver for our community and visitors."
