Anna Cassels-Brown, Peter Stubbs and Rachel Winder (pictured above) have been appointed directors at Waikato Regional Airport Ltd (WRAL).
Cassels-Brown, the former Chief Operations Officer at Auckland Airport, specialises in operations, governance and people management and has experience across many industries, including the construction, aviation and public sectors. She currently serves as a director at Leighs Construction.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Board at this moment of exceptional opportunity for WRAL, with such a talented team in place. Airports are the anchors of those vital connections between people, businesses and regions and the mighty Waikato region has one of the best.”
Stubbs has an extensive background in business law, with over 35 years’ experience across a wide range of industry sectors. In addition to his role on the WRAL board, Peter will assume the role of Chair of the Audit & Risk committee, a role recently vacated by retired director, Margaret Devlin.
Previously the chair of Rotorua Airport for eight years, Peter is currently the Independent Chair of the Waikato District Council Development Agreements Committee and the Audit and Risk Committees at both Waikato and Otorohanga District Councils. He serves as director of Wealthpoint and Chairman of the Co-Lab board.
“The group is well placed for the future. I look forward to using my governance experience in the aviation, tourism, infrastructure and local government sectors to benefit it,” says Stubbs.
Winder brings a strong strategic focus to the board, emphasising a holistic approach to business that integrates organisational planning, people, technology enablement, health & safety and ESG. With extensive experience in the property sector, Rachel is a member of the Property Council of New Zealand. She is also a director of Argosy Property Ltd, Te Atiawa Holdings Limited Partnership, Te Atiawa (Taranaki) Holdings Ltd and Auckland Thoroughbred Racing.
“This is an exciting time to be joining the board and I look forward to making a real contribution. There are several significant projects that are about to get underway and with a clear strategy and plan WRAL is set to deliver significant benefits to the region and all stakeholders.”
WRAL board chairman, Barry Harris was pleased to welcome the new directors to the table.
“They’ve joined us at a pivotal time for the business, with the exciting opportunity to bring back international services to our airport following the announcement of the Jetstar service, and a significant bespoke fit-out for the northern end of our terminal to accommodate that. Additionally, we’re advancing our property development strategy, spearheaded by the successful plan change for Precinct North at Titanium Park - a 100ha commercial and industrial hub adjacent to the airport - and our first multi-million dollar design:build project, due for construction in 2025. The expertise and experience of our new directors will be invaluable as we navigate the ongoing challenges in the aeronautical sector, where the tough economic environment continues to impact both business and leisure travel," he says.
