AIA – announces appointment of Chief Safety & Risk Officer

Market Release | 06 July 2023
Auckland Airport announces
appointment of Chief Safety & Risk
Officer
Auckland Airport has appointed Darren Evans as Chief Safety & Risk Officer, a newly
created executive leadership position focused on the identification, management and
assurance of the organisation’s safety and risk management.
Mr Evans brings 30 years safety and risk management experience across multiple
industries, including aviation and construction, most recently at Air New Zealand.
Auckland Airport Chief Executive, Carrie Hurihanganui, said the establishment of a Chief
Safety and Risk Officer reflected the importance the company placed on managing the
risks of undertaking major construction projects amid the post-pandemic return of aircraft
and passengers.
The role will also be the nominated Part 100 senior person, accountable for the safe
management of the airport’s aviation activities under the Civil Aviation Rules.
“Anyone who has recently visited Auckland Airport will see the enormous level of activity
happening in every corner of the precinct. We are well underway with delivering vital
infrastructure that will transform the airport experience. This is undeniably an exciting
and hugely positive time for Auckland Airport.

“But it is not without its challenges and risks, which need to be managed across not just
our own company, but in collaboration with all our commercial, aviation and construction
partners working at the airport. The Chief Safety & Risk Officer is a vital role and that’s
reflected in its establishment as part of my leadership team.

“And I’m delighted to have Darren joining the Auckland Airport whānau in this capacity.
He brings a great deal of proven safety and risk management knowledge and leadership
from both aviation and construction. He understands our business deeply and the key
risk areas for us.”
Mr Evans joins Auckland Airport on 13 November from Air New Zealand where he is
General Manager People Safety & Aviation Medicine, a senior leadership role
responsible for setting and delivering the health, safety, wellbeing and medical strategy
for the company. Prior to Air New Zealand Mr Evans led health and safety strategies and
accountability at multinational engineering, design and construction companies, and
within the utilities, infrastructure and financial services sectors.
“I feel extremely privileged to be joining the Auckland Airport executive leadership team
as Chief Safety & Risk Officer. Touching down at Auckland Airport is the very first
experience many people have of New Zealand, and it plays a hugely important role in
the growth and prosperity of our country.
“From the communities on our doorstep right out to the corners of Aotearoa New Zealand,
the aviation hub that is Auckland Airport provides critical connectivity, trade links and
employment. As we work to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure while maintaining the
24/7 aviation rhythm, it’s crucial Auckland Airport’s safety and operational surety
continues supporting the traveller experience and the operations of our aviation
partners.”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Investors:
Head of Strategy, Planning and Performance
Stewart Reynolds
+64 27 511 9632
stewart.reynolds@aucklandairport.co.nz
Media:
Helen Twose
Communications Manager
+64272540790
Helen.Twose@aucklandairport.co.nz