New directors for Queenstown Airport Board

Norm Thompson and Michael Stiassny were appointed yesterday at the board’s AGM, effective immediately.

"We’re delighted to have Norm and Michael on board for the next three years," she said. "They are both highly-respected and bring a mix of both aviation, tourism and corporate experience to complement existing board members."

Former deputy CEO of Air New Zealand, Mr Thompson holds directorships with Tourism New Zealand and ATEED and was the former chair of the Tourism Industry Association. He has extensive experience in both aviation and tourism.

Mr Stiassny is senior partner with corporate advisory firm KordaMentha and is currently chairman of Vector Ltd, Ngati Whatua Orakei Whai Rawa Ltd and TOWER Ltd. He holds directorships with NZ Windfarms Ltd and DNZ Property Trust Ltd; and is Vice President of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand Inc.

The two new directors replace Richard Tweedie and Alison Gerry. Mayor Van Uden acknowledged the effort and expertise Ms Gerry and Mr Tweedie had provided to Queenstown Airport Corporation during their time as directors.

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 Queenstown Airport Corporation Limited (QAC) and governed by an independent Board of Directors which comprises John Gilks (Chairman), Grant Lilly, James Hadley, Norm Thompson and Michael Stiassny.