AIA – Auckland Airport announces Chief Digital Officer

Market Release | 07 June 2023

Auckland Airport announces
appointment of Chief Digital Officer

Auckland Airport has appointed Richard Wilkinson (Tūhoe) as Chief Digital Officer, an
executive team position focused on the management of the airport’s technology function
and the delivery of digital innovation.
Mr Wilkinson will join Auckland Airport on 14 August, bringing more than twenty years’
experience in large, complex, and high-profile digital environments across a range of
industries. He has held positions at major New Zealand brands and businesses including
New Zealand Rugby, Stuff, Tourism New Zealand, Fonterra, and joins the airport from
Farmlands, a farming services co-operative, where he is Pou Āpiha Matahiko, Chief
Innovation & Digital Officer.
Auckland Airport Chief Executive, Carrie Hurihanganui, said Mr Wilkinson’s proven
leadership in managing change both within the digital environment and across
organisational cultures will be an asset for Auckland Airport.
“We’re underway with a substantial, and necessary, reinvestment in our core
infrastructure, which will greatly improve the experience of every customer at Auckland
Airport. Technology is an important underpinning for that investment, ensuring operations
and services across the aviation system run as efficiently and effectively as possible.
“The 24/7 nature of an airport makes for a challenging environment to undertake
technology change, but Richard brings an authentic, energetic, and inclusive leadership
style that will be a real asset to a role that requires collaboration both internally and
externally across airport teams.
“Richard’s strong connection to te ao Māori, both in his personal and work life, is
welcomed in an organisation that values its iwi partnerships and community
relationships.”

Mr Wilkinson said digital services and technology have an important role to play in
ensuring every visit to the airport is seamless.
“Whether you’re a frequent flyer or it’s your first taste of New Zealand, your experience
at Auckland Airport needs to be smooth, easy and enjoyable. Having the right digital
systems in place is key. I can’t wait to get underway making a real difference every day
at New Zealand’s main aviation gateway.”
ENDS

For further information please contact:

Investors:
Stewart Reynolds
Head of Strategy, Planning and Performance
+64 27 511 9632
stewart.reynolds@aucklandairport.co.nz
Media:

Libby Middlebrook
Head of Communications and External Relations
+64 21 989 908
Libby.middlebrook@aucklandairport.co.nz