05 November 2012
Auckland Airport today announced that Adrian Littlewood, currently the company’s General Manager of Retail & Commercial has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective 12 November 2012.
Chair of Auckland Airport, Joan Withers said the Board was delighted to have appointed Mr Littlewood, an internal candidate, to the position after an extensive local and international search programme which attracted a significant number of high calibre applicants.
“Adrian, who joined the Airport in 2009, has played an instrumental role in delivering on the company’s new strategic approach which has transformed our business performance and delivered significant benefit to passengers, airline partners, the wider tourism sector and New Zealand as a whole.”
“In particular he has done an outstanding job leading the growth and development of the retail and commercial division, our key non-aeronautical revenue lines which now deliver approximately 40% of the Airport’s income - NZ$166m revenue.”
“Adrian’s broad commercial experience, his proven performance while at the Airport and strategic management background mean he is ideally equipped to lead the next phase of ambitious growth in the business as we maintain our leadership position in New Zealand tourism.”
Mr Littlewood said under his leadership Auckland Airport will continue its commitment to growth through innovation and appropriate capital investment in order to maintain the momentum achieved to date.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead a New Zealand business that makes such a significant contribution to the national economy. Auckland Airport has a very clear understanding of how to create choice for customers and will keep its focus on making journeys better for each of them.”
“I’m looking forward to leading the Airport team to build on the recent growth delivered by the Airport and meet the increased market expectations we face.”
“We have a strong leadership team in place to achieve ambitious tourism growth – both in volume and value - and deliver on the infrastructure development plans outlined in our strategic plan.”
“We will continue to work closely with our partners in the tourism and trade sectors to make the most of the opportunities that exist as we move ahead to finalise our Master Plan of airfield, terminal and land development to meet New Zealand’s needs.”
Mrs Withers said the Auckland Airport Board wanted to acknowledge the contribution made by Simon Robertson, who stepped into the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer in August.
“Simon has done a great job leading the company through this transition period while the search for the Chief Executive Officer was underway.”
“However he made it clear to the Airport Board that he did not wish to be considered for the Chief Executive Officer role on a permanent basis and will now return to his role as Chief Financial Officer with our thanks.”
Before joining Auckland Airport, Adrian Littlewood spent 5 years at Telecom, in key strategy, product and marketing roles, including Head of Consumer Propositions where he was responsible for design, pricing and launch of consumer offers across mobile, broadband and landline portfolios covering 3.5m customer relationships and earnings of over $1billion.
Mr Littlewood, who graduated from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts, began his career in corporate and commercial law with Belly Gully in New Zealand and Baker & McKenzie in London.
Ends
Editors note: A summary of Adrian Littlewood’s career and key contract terms with Auckland Airport are set out below:
Curriculum Vitae - Adrian Littlewood
Qualifications
- B.A.LLB Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Arts, University of Auckland
- Stanford Executive Program, Stanford University Graduate School of Business
Significant Career Achievements
Member of the Auckland Airport executive team responsible for leading the Retail & Commercial division covering the Airport’s non-aeronautical revenue lines (excluding property development) and representing approximately 40% of Auckland Airport’s revenue (NZ$166m revenue)
At Telecom NZ, responsible for design, pricing and launch of consumer offers across mobile, broadband and landline portfolios covering over 3.5m customer relationships and earnings of over $1bn plus Telecom’s retail channel marketing function
Career Summary:
2009 – Recent: General Manager Retail & Commercial, Auckland Airport
2003 – 2009: Telecom New Zealand
2006 – 2009: Head of Consumer Propositions
2005 – 2006: Wired/Wireless Strategy Manager
2004 – 2005: Broadband Excellence Manager
2004: Head of Wi-Fi
2003 – 2004: Senior Strategy Analyst
2002 – 2003: Business Consultant, RoamAD
2001 – 2002: Senior Strategy Analyst, Logical Group (London)
1999 – 2001: Corporate/Commercial Solicitor, Baker & McKenzie (London)
1997 – 1999: Corporate/Commercial Solicitor, Bell Gully (New Zealand)