Queenstown Airport CEO resigns

8th April 2021 By Staff Reporter | news@tourismticker.com | @tourismticker

Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Colin Keel has resigned.

Keel joined the airport as chief executive in June 2016 and QAC said he would continue in the role until the end of the financial year “to complete the stabilisation of the business and position it for recovery”.

“He will then relocate to Auckland to pursue other opportunities,” said the company.

Colin Keel

Prior to joining QAC, Keel held senior roles in aviation, transport and infrastructure businesses, including American Airlines, Qantas Airways and rail freight operator Aurizon.

He is the current air transport sector representative on Tourism Industry Aotearoa’s board.

Keel said in a statement that it had been “a privilege leading the business over such 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,” he said.

“Despite the current challenges, the future is full of tremendous opportunities for the business, airports and region.”

QAC chair Adrienne Young-Cooper said Keel had made a “significant contribution” to the business through both a time of both exponential growth and severe restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Colin has demonstrated the agility and courage required of a leader in two very different and extreme operating environments,” Young-Cooper said.

“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.”

The board would start a search for Keel’s successor.