Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), the owner of Melbourne and Launceston Airports, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine O’Reilly as its new Chairperson.

Ms O’Reilly will replace Peter Hay on 1 October, who retires after five years as Chair of APAC.

APAC CEO Lorie Argus said Ms O’Reilly’s appointment comes at an exciting time, as the company invests in the most ambitious 10-year capital works plan of any major airport in the country.

“Christine has served on the boards and executive leadership teams of some of Australia’s most recognisable companies,” she said.

“Her knowledge of and experience in the infrastructure sector is extensive, and that experience will be essential to our success as we grow Melbourne and Launceston Airports so they can serve their growing markets. Our plans for growth include a third runway, new roads and upgrades that will make our terminals even better for passengers. 

“Coupled with her expertise in the financial services industry, Christine’s experience and skills complement our already strong track record in executing large-scale projects.

“Her leadership through our continued growth period will build on the foundations Peter has built during his five years as APAC Chair. Peter has led APAC through a tumultuous few years, and his proven performance in business and his decisiveness and integrity have been assets to the company.

“Peter has guided APAC’s recovery from Covid, with Launceston achieving one of the fastest capacity recoveries in the nation and Melbourne Airport the first capital city airport to exceed 100 per cent of pre-pandemic capacity in the international market.

“We are extremely fortunate to have benefited from Peter’s leadership, and I am grateful for his years of service, wisdom and advice,” Ms Argus said.

 Quotes attributable to incoming Chair, Christine O’Reilly

“I am excited to take on the role of Chair of APAC. Melbourne Airport is one of Victoria’s most important assets and, as a proud Melburnian, it’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of this business at such a pivotal time.

“I enjoy the challenge of delivering large-scale capital projects, and as Chair of APAC I look forward to leading Melbourne and Launceston Airports through an incredible growth period and working with my new colleagues on the APAC Board and leadership team.”

Quotes attributable to outgoing Chair, Peter Hay

“It has been a privilege to serve on the APAC Board for the past five years.

“This has been one of the most challenging times in the history of aviation, with many ups and downs. Through it all, I have been continually impressed by the ability of everyone at Melbourne and Launceston Airports to band together in their commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers. Our resilience as a business and as individuals has been extraordinary.

“Christine comes to the APAC Board with decades of experience, and her strategy and problem-solving skills will be put to good use as the airports continue to grow.

“I want to thank Lorie and the APAC leadership team and Board for their dedication, purposeful and visionary thinking, and collaboration over the past five years.”