Auckland Airport chief executive resigns

Auckland Airport chief executive resigns

Auckland Airport’s Chair Joan Withers today announced the resignation of Simon Moutter, the company’s chief executive.

“Simon has accepted the role of chief executive at Telecom. The board would like to thank him for his significant contribution and wishes him all the best for the future.

“Under his leadership, Auckland Airport has transformed its business model and focus to one of providing a world class service to all who use the airport.

“He has also built a talented and dedicated team of senior management who have consistently focused on achieving commercial strategies to deliver on the Airport’s “Flight Plan to Growth”.

“For shareholders this has delivered solid returns during a period of unprecedented global market upheaval and provided excellent value to passengers, business partners and New Zealand.

“It has also resulted in increased passenger numbers at all four of our airports, and further improvement in the performance of our aeronautical, retail and property businesses.

“At the beginning of the 2012 financial year, we outlined our expectations that the net profit after tax (excluding any fair value changes and other one-off items) would be in the $130 millions. We are on track to achieve the higher end of this guidance.” said Withers.

She said the board will immediately begin a process to consider internal, local and international candidates to replace Mr Moutter.

Auckland Airport’s chief financial officer Simon Robertson will become acting chief executive when Simon Moutter leaves the company at the end of his four month notice period. Robertson joined the company in 2005 and held a range of senior financial and aeronautical roles until his appointment as chief financial officer in 2009.

“Auckland Airport is in a strong position, with a talented team that will ensure Auckland Airport’s momentum continues as we seek a new chief executive,” said Withers.