Our esteemed judging panel consists of both respected industry leaders and the Melbourne Airport Executive team. Their task is to provide expertise to the evaluation of shortlisted finalists.
The foremost finalist nominations are scrutinised by our judging panel against category criteria. It is the responsibility of our judging panel to determine a level of excellence worthy of being awarded as winners.
The announcement of winners will take place at the Melbourne Airport Excellence Awards gala, to be held in November 2026.
Excellence in the Traveller Experience – Individual
Felicia Mariani
Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Food & Drink Victoria
Jaquie Scammell
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ServiceQ
Jim Parashos
Chief of Aviation, Melbourne Airport
Excellence in the Traveller Experience – Organisation
Felicia Mariani
Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and Food & Drink Victoria
Jaquie Scammell
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ServiceQ
Katie Cooper
Chief Executive Officer, Launceston Airport
Excellence in Teamwork & Collaboration
Elias Lebbos
Chief Executive Officer, Travellers Aid Australia
Andrew Westacott
Director - Western Bulldogs Football Club, Karting Australia and former Chief Executive Officer - Australian Grand Prix Corporation
Matthew Stirling
Executive General Manager Planning, Environment & Infrastructure, Melbourne Airport
Business Partner of the Year
Elias Lebbos
Chief Executive Officer, Travellers Aid Australia
Andrew Westacott
Director - Western Bulldogs Football Club, Karting Australia and former Chief Executive Officer - Australian Grand Prix Corporation
Scott Cooper
Executive General Manager Major Capital Projects, Melbourne Airport
Marc Storti Award for Safety
Peter Dorn
Head of Health, Safety & Environment, Brisbane Airport
Elaine Toal
Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Auckland Airport
Justin Portelli
Chief of Staff, Melbourne Airport
Humanitarian Award
Martyn Scrimshaw
Senior Chaplain, Chaplaincy Australia, Melbourne Airport
Jim Jung
Senior Chaplain, Victoria Police
Claire Storey
Executive General Manager People, Culture & Safety, Melbourne Airport
Excellence in Environment, Social & Governance
Jon Collinge
Executive Director, Head of Sustainability, Morrison
Prue Newall
Director Environment and Sustainability, IFM Investors
Ruth Martin
Chief Finance Officer, Melbourne Airport
Barista of the Year
Head Judge, Melissa Caia
Trainer Coffee Academy, William Angliss Institute
Judge, Kamal Unvala
Trainer Coffee Academy, William Angliss Institute
Judge, Joanne Holthuyzen
Trainer Coffee Academy, William Angliss Institute
Airline of the Year
Jim Parashos
Chief of Aviation, Melbourne Airport
Michael Cullen
Head of Business Development, Melbourne Airport
Retailer of the Year
Jai McDermott
Chief of Ground Transport, Property & Retail, Melbourne Airport
Shereen Elsebai
Senior Retail Operations Manager, Melbourne Airport
Spotlight Award
Jai McDermott
Chief of Ground Transport, Property & Retail, Melbourne Airport
Chair's Award for Excellence
Christine O'Reilly
Chair of Board of Directors, Australia Pacific Airports Corporation
Lorie Argus
Chief Executive Officer, Australia Pacific Airports Corporation
Justin Portelli
Chief of Staff, Melbourne Airport