Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has appointed experienced business and governance professional Dr Don Elder to Queenstown Airport Corporation’s (QAC) board of directors.

Mayor Glyn Lewers said Don, who was appointed on October 30 at the QAC AGM after approval by councillors at a recent meeting, was a “stand-out candidate with a wealth of experience and knowledge”.

“His long governance experience in transport, infrastructure and major projects, energy, construction, finance, tech startups and risk management will add further depth to the board’s expertise in key areas as the airport continues to deliver for our community and visitors.”

Queenstown Airport is a Council-Controlled Trading Organisation (CCTO) with two shareholders: Queenstown Lakes District Council (75.1 percent) and Auckland Airport (24.9 percent).  

Don fills a vacant position on the board following the internal election of Simon Flood as chair in September. 

Simon had replaced Adrienne Young-Cooper who stepped down from the board after completing the maximum number of terms under QAC’s constitution.

Don said he was excited to join the board.

“The strategic future of Queenstown Airport is intrinsically linked with the future of our district and wider region,” he said. 

“QAC’s ten-year plan describes an innovative airport that serves the region well. I’m looking forward to supporting my colleagues on the board and the management team in delivering this vision for QAC’s shareholders and the local community.”

Don’s current directorships include Pioneer Energy, Wenita Forestry, Canterbury Seismic, and several social service charities.  

In addition to his appointment, two existing QAC directors – Andrew Blair and Mike Tod – were reappointed at the AGM.

PHOTO: Supplied