Mr Flood, the existing deputy chairman, replaces Adrienne Young-Cooper, who had completed the maximum number of terms, and was unable to be reappointed.
In a statement, Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Glyn Lewers said councillors agreed to adopt the council’s governance subcommittee’s recommendation during a public-excluded session of the last full council meeting, on September 19.
He said Mr Flood was identified as the preferred candidate following an "extensive and robust" recruitment process, handled by external recruitment consultants.
"The governance subcommittee was unanimous in making its recommendation, which reflects Simon’s depth in safety and operations, financial acumen and overall understanding of the business and industry.
"He has continued to focus on a positive relationship with council, and regularly fronts up with councillors at meetings and workshops.
"As QAC gets well underway with the implementation of its aspirational masterplan, Simon brings to the chair a wealth of experience, strong leadership and continuity for both the board and the company", Mr Lewers said.
Airport chief executive Glen Sowry said Mr Flood had demonstrated a "deep understanding" of opportunities and challenges the business would be facing.
"With a clearly defined 10-year strategy and masterplan, the broad depth of experience and capability Simon brings to the leadership of the organisation will be invaluable to ensuring the airport is able to best serve the region in the future."
Mr Flood, who joined the airport board in December, 2019, said it had been a privilege to work under Ms Young-Cooper, who left the business in a "much stronger place".
He said there was much to do as the airport embarked on delivering its masterplan, while continuing to serve the air transport connectivity needs for the region.
"My colleagues on the board and I take our responsibility as custodians of the airport very seriously, and we look forward to working with QAC’s outstanding team ... as we work together to ensure that our airport remains an asset that our communities love to travel through, as well as take pride in."
His election would be formalised at the airport’s annual meeting on October 30.
