New member on Airport board

A new business consultant has been appointed to the Rotorua International Airport board of directors.

Ray Sayer has run his own business consultancy since 2009.

Previously he has been chief executive of Royal Brunei Airlines, chief executive of Bahrain Airport Services, chief executive of Leeward Islands Air Transport Services in Antigua and commercial director of Gulf Air in Bahrain.

Mr Sayer also spent nearly 30 years with British Airways in a number of senior executive positions, including postings in USA, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, Turkey, Hong Kong, Qatar, Romania, Syria, Brunei and Zimbabwe.

Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said the city was fortunate to have someone with Mr Sayer's "impressive aviation" and airport background living in the district, and who was prepared to contribute his skills and experience to the development of Rotorua's airport.

"We're particularly pleased that Mr Sayer has accepted our invitation to join the board as he brings with him a wealth of experience in international aviation and airport operations which will contribute significantly to the aspirations we have for the future development of our local airport.

"His appointment was a recommendation from the current airport board of directors and the council has whole heartedly endorsed that recommendation."

Airport company chairman Ray Cook said he and his fellow directors were looking forward to Mr Sayer joining them around the board table.

"Mr Sayer's experience and background means he will add a valuable dimension to the mix of skills and experience we already have on the board. He is highly regarded in the industry here and around the word and will be a great fit with our directors.

"We're particularly keen to have his input into our international goals and to tap into his vast knowledge of aviation and his extensive networks."

He joins Mr Cook, Mr Winters, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby, and Bill Kingi on the board of Rotorua International Airport.