Former senior Qantas executive Lyell Strambi has been named chief executive of Asia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), the owner and operator of Melbourne and Launceston airports.
Strambi, who was previously chief executive of Qantas’s domestic operations, will start his new job on September 21, Melbourne Airport said in a statement on Wednesday.
Prior to joining Qantas, Strambi was chief operating officer at Virgin Atlantic and also worked at Ansett in finance and strategic planning roles.
“I am excited by this opportunity and look forward to working with the APAC board and the talented leadership team in the next phase of its growth and investment,” Strambi said in a statement.
“The transformation of Melbourne and Launceston airports is well underway and we will work closely with our client airlines, retail and service partners to ensure the experience passengers enjoy matches the wonderful facilities we are building.
“My goal is to build on the excellent foundations built by the APAC team under previous leadership as we continue our journey to make our airports the best in the region.”
APAC chairman David Crawford said Strambi had a successful track record of planning and execution in complex regulatory environments.
“The board was impressed with Lyell’s corporate and team leadership credentials and strong customer focus,” Crawford said.
Strambi’s appointment ends an eight-month search for APAC’s new chief executive after Chris Woodruff announced his resignation in December 2014.
