Godfrey to stand for Auckland Airport Board

Brett Godfrey recruited to stand for Auckland Airport Board

The directors of Auckland Airport are pleased to announce that, following an international search, Mr Brett Godfrey has been recruited by the board to stand for election as a director of the company at the annual meeting on 28 October 2010.

Auckland Airport Chairman, Tony Frankham, said, “This announcement follows our earlier acknowledgement that the appointment of a director with significant international airline experience would add great value to the board.”

Mr Godfrey's considerable experience and skill in the international aviation and tourism industries will make him a valuable addition to the Auckland Airport board. The board strongly recommends that shareholders vote in favour of Mr Godfrey’s election at the annual meeting.”

Mr Godfrey, a Queensland resident, has recently retired as CEO of Virgin Blue in Australia. Mr Godfrey has had a 20 year career in aviation, initially holding finance positions in small airlines, then moving to flag carriers and culminating in establishing and leading the Virgin Blue Airlines Group.

Mr Godfrey conceptualised, established and led Virgin Blue, Australia’s second largest airline, as Chief Executive for its first 10 years. Under his leadership, Virgin Blue successfully navigated through such hazards as 9/11, the Bali bombings and more recently the GFC. Now, in the year of his stepping down, the Group employs 6,000 people, operates four airlines, including new long haul premium carrier V Australia, all up carrying 20,000,000 ‘guests’ per annum. Mr Godfrey and his team have changed the face of aviation in Virgin Blue’s region and in so doing made air travel accessible to a great many more people.

Mr Godfrey has been awarded the Australian Centenary Medal for his service to Tourism and Aviation, was recognised as the Australian Chief Executive of the Year by the Institute Of Customer Service, and the Outstanding Chartered Accountant in Business, by the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants. He retired from Virgin Blue in May this year to refocus on his private interests. He remains engaged with board commitments with Westjet (Canada’s 2nd largest airline), Tourism Australia, The Queensland Government’s transport board, Translink and Green Cross Australia.

ENDS

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