Managers with experience piloting planes and in airport business development begin influential new roles at Queenstown International Airport this summer.
Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) chief executive Scott Paterson announced last week two new appointments as part of a change to the company's executive leadership structure.
Mark Harrington has been internally promoted to operations general manager, to begin December 1, and Sean Thompson, at present with Auckland Airport, will join the team as property general manager in mid-January.
Mr Paterson said in a statement both roles would focus on the strategic direction of the airport and its development.
Mr Harrington will take on overall responsibility for aeronautical and terminal operations.
Mr Thompson will manage commercial property - a key revenue driver for the airport.
Trained in architecture and as a pilot, Mr Harrington has been QAC's airside operations manager for two years.
He worked in private practice conducting sustainable building research before moving into aviation via research projects focusing on terminal design and passenger experience.
He has also served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as an officer in its property and infrastructure group.
Mr Thompson brings a wealth of strategic business and property knowledge to his new role, after more than six years at Auckland Airport in business development and asset management positions.
He has also worked in commercial leasing and commercial property management positions.
