Hawke's Bay Airport appoints two senior positions

Continued strong growth coupled with major redevelopments at Hawke’s Bay Airport has seen the need for the appointment of two new senior staff.

Graham Eagles has been appointed as the Airport’s Infrastructure Manager. Graham was previously employed at Opus and has extensive experience in transportation design as well as project management. Graham has worked with the Airport on a variety of projects over the past 14 years; from designing the aircraft apron to most recently planning the secure carpark extension.

Graham said; “I am passionate about infrastructure improvements that benefit the community and make peoples lives easier. Hawke’s Bay Airport is such a dynamic place and it’s great to be taking on a permanent position with the Company at such a growth stage.

“Construction work is scheduled to start in the New Year for the terminal development project and we are also working in partnership with NZTA and the Napier City Council to develop the new entranceway to the Airport.”

Graham explained that his primary objective is to lift the level of service for people using the Airport.

“We really want to ensure we are providing visitors to the Airport with a world class experience. From subtle things like the lighting we use, - for example, we are moving to LED - to the services we offer – with potential for future implementation of facilities for electric vehicles at the Airport,”

Hawke’s Bay Airport has also appointed Dean Smith as the Commercial Manager. Previously the Sales and Marketing Manager at Mission Estate Winery, Dean brings with him a wealth of business knowledge and growth know how.

“I’m excited to be working with such a ‘can do’ team at the Airport which is supported by a very strong and engaged board. Hawke’s Bay Airport is a major hub of connectivity in our region and the role of Commercial Manager allows me to add significant value not just to the Airport company, but to the regional economy as a whole.”

Attracting high quality tenants to the Business Park will be a key focus for Dean, as well as creating and nurturing relationships with stakeholders and suppliers along with establishing ways of growing additional revenue streams.

“There is so much potential for growth at the Airport and right across the region. It’s great to be a part of a team that is striving to optimise these opportunities and that are constantly looking at ways that we can improve our Airport facilities and services to make the gate way to the region one the public can be very proud of,” added Dean.

Hawke’s Bay Airport CEO, Nick Story, said; “We are delighted to have two such high calibre people as Graham and Dean join our team. With over 30 years in the Civil Engineering industry, we are fortunate to have someone with Grahams depth of infrastructure knowledge and contacts working with us in this busy growth phase.

“Dean also brings a great skill set to the Company as well as knowledge of the region’s major economic drivers. Dean’s insights around developing and implementing strategic growth strategies make him the ideal candidate for our commercial manager role. He will play an important role in commercialising the opportunities that I believe will arise as a result of the capital development programme we are undertaking and the growth we are seeing across the region.

“It is an exciting time and I am pleased to have both Dean and Graham on board.” added Nick.