Queenstown Airport boss to step down next year
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Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Glen Sowry has announced he will be retiring from his role in June at the end of the company’s financial year.
The airport has issued a statement announcing the news but it does not include further details on any next moves for Mr Sowry, who took on the top job at the airport in 2021, in the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Since then he has overseen a period of recovery for the airport as well as the development two long term planning documents that will shape the future direction of the airport.
"The past three years have been both a challenging and exciting period to have been leading Queenstown Airport," Mr Sowry says in the statement.
"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.”
Queenstown Airport chair Adrienne Young-Cooper says Mr Sowry is a strong leader and communicator, and his resignation has not come as a surprise.
"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.”
In the statement, incoming chair Mr Flood also acknowledges Mr Sowry’s contribution.
"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."
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