The Queenstown Airport board has appointed the highly-experienced global tourism and aviation executive, to replace Glen Sowry, who finishes next month, as the next chief executive.
Mr O’Hare is chief executive and board director at Tasmania’s Launceston Airport.
There he led the airport through the Covid recovery and oversaw the delivery of key infrastructure and customer experience project.
In his tenure, Launceston attracted record passenger numbers and network expansion.
He also implemented a strategy to enhance non-aeronautical revenue.
With a career spanning 40 years, he has previously held a range of senior executive positions in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, the United States and the Middle East, including appointments at Melbourne Airport, Qantas, Etihad, Royal Jet Group and Star Alliance.
He was also the founder of Queensland’s Seair Pacific Airlines.
Queenstown Airport board chair Simon Flood said they were pleased to have appointed "such a well-qualified business leader" following the robust recruitment process.
"Shane brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the aviation and tourism industries and is a people-focused leader."
Noting the airport was undertaking the most significant capital delivery programme in its 90-year history, Mr Flood said Mr O’Hare was coming with a reputation for leadership and delivery in complex stakeholder environments.
"The board and I are looking forward to working with Shane as he leads the organisation through its next phase."
Mr O’Hare served on the boards of Tourism Tasmania and Visit Northern Tasmania, is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and had an MBA from Bond University.
"Queenstown Airport is a critical social and economic infrastructure asset for the region, and the country.
"The airport is entering an exciting phase and I am very pleased to be joining the team, and I look forward to working with the board, executive and wider team to deliver for shareholders and the community."
The board has appointed Queenstown Airport’s chief operating officer Todd Grace as interim chief executive from June until September.
