Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) has announced the appointment of Gert-Jan De Graaff as its new CEO to lead the company from June 2018.

De Graaff will replace Julieanne Alroe, BAC’s current CEO and MD, who is retiring at the end of June 2018. She has led the airport since 2009.

De Graaff, a former BAC senior executive, is currently President and CEO of JFKIAT LLC, the operator of Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport. He has been in the role since 2014.

Prior to that, he held a variety of senior positions at leading international airports, including Stockholm-Arlanda Airport in Sweden and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in the Netherlands.

BAC Chairman, David Peever said an extensive international search had been conducted to identify the right candidate to lead Brisbane Airport through what is expected to be an ‘historic’ growth phase.

SHARED VALUES

“Brisbane Airport is currently Australia’s third busiest airport by passenger numbers and aircraft movements and will, with the completion of its new parallel runway in 2020, be the best positioned airport in the country for domestic and international growth,” stated Peever.

“The Board’s focus is on ensuring that the company’s success continues to be derived from an airport that serves the needs of the travelling public, the aspirations of its commercial partners, and the interests of the community as a whole.

“Gert-Jan shares these values and we are confident that this, combined with his extensive international experience, will enable BAC to deliver on its considerable potential as a catalyst for economic growth for the city, region and nation.”

De Graaff said he was delighted to be returning to Brisbane Airport, where he has previously held senior executive roles, including General Manager Commercial Services and General Manager Strategic Planning and Development (between 2007 and 2012).

‘EXCEPTIONAL’ POTENTIAL

“The opportunity to lead Brisbane Airport at such a critical and exciting time was too good to ignore,” he said.

“The airport’s potential is exceptional, particularly in international markets, and I look forward to doing what I can to ensure that potential is realised.

“Returning to Brisbane, a place I came to love in my five years there, is also very exciting. The city, indeed the whole of Queensland, offers so much and I look forward to helping the airport play its vital role in the growth of business, trade and tourism.”

Commenting on Alroe’s departure, Peever said: “Her time as CEO and MD of BAC has seen the airport transformed and recognised as one of the best in its class in the world.”