Queenstown
Airport Corporation (QAC) Chief Executive Officer Glen Sowry has today
announced that he will be retiring from his role in June 2025 at the end of the
company’s financial year.
Mr Sowry
joined Queenstown Airport in September 2021 at the height of the COVID pandemic
and has overseen a significant period of recovery for the airport, and the development
of a 10-year Strategic Plan and related Master Plan that will shape the future
direction of the airport for many years into the future.
Queenstown
Airport Chair Adrienne Young-Cooper today acknowledged Mr Sowry’s contribution
and leadership of the airport over the past three years.
“I lead the recruitment for a
new chief executive in 2021 and we were delighted to secure Glen Sowry, as we
knew he had the track record as a strong leader and communicator and a passion
for aviation that would serve Queenstown Airport very well. Glen has been an
outstanding leader and will continue to lead the team at QAC until the middle
of 2025. The board has been discussing succession planning with Glen for some
months as a normal part of good governance. We have commenced the recruitment
process for a new chief executive and expect a smooth transition in mid-2025 to
a new leader of QAC,” Ms Young-Cooper said.
Mr Sowry
commented, “The past three years have been both a challenging and exciting
period to have been leading Queenstown Airport. From no flights in my first
week in the role, to a full recovery to pre-COVID levels, and a clearly defined
strategy and Master Plan now approved and in delivery, it has been an
exhilarating journey.
“I am,
however, most proud of the way Queenstown Airport has recalibrated its approach
to respond to the expectations and needs of the community it serves and its
wide customer base through genuine and extensive engagement and consultation.
“It is a
privilege to lead such an iconic airport that makes a significant contribution
to the social and economic wellbeing of our district and New Zealand.
“I have
enjoyed my working relationship with the QAC Board during my tenure and am
delighted to see Deputy Chair Simon Flood recently appointed to succeed Board
Chair Adrienne Young-Cooper from the end of this month.
“I remain
fully committed to leading Queenstown Airport to the best of my abilities for
the next nine months,” said Mr Sowry.
Incoming
Queenstown Airport Board Chair Simon Flood also acknowledged Mr Sowry’s
contribution, saying, “Glen
has made a huge contribution to the business during his tenure, which extends
far beyond the airfield boundaries. He has firmly established Queenstown
Airport’s reputation as a listening and transparent organisation that is
committed to serving its communities’ best interests. When he leaves, it will
be with our thanks for a job done well, but until then, we have much to do, and
I am looking forward to working with Glen and his very able team to ensure that
Queenstown Airport remains a place that people love to travel through and that
we can all take pride in.”