Hawke's Bay Airport drafts top talent in response to rapid growth

Hawke's Bay Airport CEO Nick Story is flanked by new infrastructure manager Graham Eagles (L) and new commercial manager Dean Smith. Photo / Paul Taylor

Hawke's Bay Airport has hired two new senior staff to cater for growth.

Former Opus civil engineer Graham Eagles has been appointed Infrastructure Manager.

Having worked with the airport on a variety of projects he said it was a "dynamic place" and he wanted to ensure visitors had a world-class experience "from subtle things like the lighting we use" to the potential implementation of electric vehicle facilities.

"Construction work is scheduled to start in the New Year for the terminal development project and we are also working in partnership with NZTA and the Napier City Council to develop the new entrance way to the Airport," he said.

Opus is managing the terminal development and Mr Eagles was project manager.

His appointment further strengthens the airport company's link with Opus. Airport company chairman Tony Porter is a partner in the engineering firm and until recently was director of its Global Asset Management Team.

Former Mission Estate Winery sales and marketing manager Dean Smith has been hired as the airport's commercial manager.

A focus of his will be attracting high-quality tenants to the airports' adjoining business park development and growing additional revenue streams.

He said he looked forward to contributing to the regional economy as a whole.

"There is so much potential for growth at the airport and right across the region," he said.

"It's great to be a part of a team that is striving to optimise these opportunities and that are constantly looking at ways that we can improve our airport facilities and services to make the gateway to the region one the public can be very proud of."

Hawke's Bay Airport CEO Nick Story said Mr Eagles' depth of infrastructure knowledge and contacts were vital "in this busy growth phase".

"Dean also brings a great skill set to the company as well as knowledge of the region's major economic drivers," he said.

"Dean's insights around developing and implementing strategic growth strategies make him the ideal candidate for our commercial manager role. He will play an important role in commercialising the opportunities that I believe will arise as a result of the capital development programme we are undertaking and the growth we are seeing across the region.

"It is an exciting time and I am pleased to have both Dean and Graham on board."

Passenger numbers are five years ahead of projection. In the year to June 30, 566,000 passengers went through the terminal thanks partly to the arrival of two new airlines - Jetstar and Sounds Air.