Steven Fitzgerald, Wellington Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, is moving to a full-time position with HRL Morrison & Co, where he will be responsible for Airport investment. HRL Morrison & Co is a specialist investment management firm that manages Infratil, Wellington Airport’s major shareholder. Mr Fitzgerald will remain on the Board of Wellington Airport, but will pass on his local CEO responsibilities on 8 August 2011 and relocate to HRL Morrison & Co’s Sydney office in late August.

John Howarth, the Airport’s Chief Operating Officer will take over the CEO role on an acting basis while an international search is conducted to find the next WIAL chief.

“My time in Wellington has been fantastic,” said Mr Fitzgerald. “This really is a wonderful city and I look forward to being a frequent visitor to keep in touch with the many people I have come to know during my four years at the Airport. I relish the challenge ahead in a brand new HRL Morrison & Co role and also look forward to being closer to family, having lived out of Australia for the last seven years.”

The last four years have been transformational at the Wild at Heart Airport, with a number of high profile projects completed including the unique copper plated terminal extension – the Rock. The Airport’s 2030 Master Plan was drafted and finalised during this time and several projects included within it are now well underway including the redevelopment of the general aviation area.

This period has also been a difficult and volatile one for the economy but Wellington Airport has shown considerable resilience in terms of passenger numbers, and new commercial initiatives have allowed earnings to continue to grow.
David Newman, Chairman of Wellington International Airport Limited and Infratil said, “Steve brings to the table a wealth of experience in what is a highly complex and dynamic industry. This adds considerable value and, while we will miss Steve in Wellington, we are very pleased that he will not be too far away and will be able to play a greater role in our other airport interests in addition to remaining a part of the WIAL Board.”

Mr Fitzgerald joined Wellington Airport as CEO in January 2008, having previously run Infratil’s European Airports. He joined Infratil in January 2005 from Sydney Airport.
ENDS