Adrian Littlewood to step down as CE of Auckland Airport

Media Release | 20 May 2021

Adrian Littlewood to step down as Chief
Executive of Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport Chief Executive Adrian Littlewood has advised the Board of his intention to
step down towards the end of this year after nearly nine years in the role.
Auckland Airport Chair, Patrick Strange, said that during a period of tremendous change, Mr
Littlewood has made an exceptional contribution to the business.
“From his appointment as Chief Executive in 2012 up to the emergence of COVID-19 early last
year, Adrian has led the organisation through a period of significant growth and development
across all areas of the business while delivering strong shareholder returns,” said Mr Strange.
“Over the past year, Adrian has shown his considerable leadership skills through some of the
most challenging times the business has ever faced. With the sudden and highly disruptive
impact of COVID-19 on the company’s core business, Adrian has led a business response that
has not only ensured the health, safety and wellbeing of Auckland Airport staff and travellers,
but has also ensured the business is well placed for the future.
“The Board would like to thank Adrian for his ongoing outstanding work for both Auckland Airport
and his contribution to the wider New Zealand business community.”
Mr Littlewood said he is proud of what Auckland Airport has achieved in his time as Chief
Executive and although he has remained in the role longer than he planned, he said it was
important to see the company through the COVID-19 response and subsequent focus on safely
re-opening borders.
The restart of travel to Australia and the Cook Islands has marked a key milestone and he said
the company is now well-placed for recovery. Working with the Government and other partners
on future planning for border re-opening and resetting the airport infrastructure development
plan will continue to be his focus in his remaining time with the company.

“It is a great privilege to lead one of New Zealand’s major companies and the team at Auckland
Airport. All our people work incredibly hard and they have demonstrated remarkable resilience
and commitment to the company and our customers during both times of significant growth and
the uncertainty brought on by the pandemic. I am particularly proud of the role they have all
played in both the immediate response and the gradual recovery since COVID-19 hit our shores,
ensuring New Zealand’s critical air connections remain open.
“It is difficult to pick out highlights but there are a few that are worthy of mention. While COVID-
19 up-ended our multi-billion dollar airport infrastructure development, the reset of our 30 year
master plan and the start on its eight anchor projects and the hundreds of enabling projects is
an ambitious but important programme that has set the path for restarting as the recovery builds.
Our commercial property and retail businesses are also stand-outs, going from strength to
strength and are now recognised as sector leaders among their peers.
“Finally, the creation of the Auckland Airport Ara Job and Skills Hub programme in partnership
with government agencies, schools, and employers is a real highlight. The opportunity to use
the airport’s influence and the scale of our major development programme to help local people
get quality local jobs is something I hope has a lasting impact on our community.”
After finishing at Auckland Airport Mr Littlewood plans to take an extended break before making
any decisions about future roles.
Chair Patrick Strange says the Board will commence a search for a replacement for Mr
Littlewood, with both internal and external candidates considered for the role.

ENDS
For further information contact:
Media:
Helen Twose
Communications Manager
+64 27 254 0790
helen.twose@aucklandairport.co.nz
Investors:
Stewart Reynolds
Head of Strategy, Planning and Performance
+64 27 511 9632
stewart.reynolds@aucklandairport.co.nz