Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) chief executive Colin Keel has resigned, the QAC board of directors has announced.

Colin has had the top job at QAC for the past five years.

He will continue in his role until the end of the current financial year to complete the stabilisation of the business and position it for recovery following what has been “the most challenging period in the company’s history” due to the impacts of Covid-19, the board said in a statement.  

Colin will then relocate to Auckland to “pursue other opportunities”, the board said.

QAC chair Adrienne Young-Cooper recognised Colin’s contribution to the business and its shareholders over many years, through both a time of exponential regional growth and more recently the challenges of Covid-19.  

“Colin has demonstrated the agility and courage required of a leader in two very different and extreme operating environments. He has been unfailing in his commitment to the success of QAC, and the broader airport community as well as the place of Queenstown and Wanaka airports in the region,” she said.

Colin said it had been a privilege leading the business over a period of change. 

“The QAC team and all those who work at the airports are hard-working, dedicated members of the community and committed to its wellbeing. Despite the current challenges, the future is full of tremendous opportunities for the business, airports and region,” he said.

The board of directors will now begin a formal search process to select Colin’s successor.

PHOTO: Supplied