20 August 2020
Newcastle Airport is proud to welcome former Group Executive Virgin Australia Airlines Robert Sharp as an independent member on the airport’s Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee (ARCC).
Effective from 1 September 2020 for an initial two-year tenure, Mr Sharp joins Chair Jude Munro AO and existing Directors Cam Macphee and Ryan Palmer on the committee.
Speaking today, Newcastle Airport Chair Kirby Clark said the acquisition of Mr Sharp was a coup for the organisation.
“Despite the significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the industry, our Airport’s long-term aspirations remain bullish, and Rob’s arrival in our organisation is a sign of that confidence,” he said.
“In today’s current environment it is so important to ensure our airport is not only recovery ready, but also able to actively play a wider leadership role in our region and beyond. I’m confident we will achieve this by drawing on the wealth of expertise on our current Board. Mr Sharp’s appointment to our ARCC will only serve to enhance our capability.” Mr Clark added.
Chair of the ARCC, Jude Munro noted “We’re extremely pleased to have someone of Rob’s calibre advise the committee. He brings with him a unique and highly applicable set of skills including qualifications as a CA, and more than 25 years of senior management, commercial and operational experience in multi-brand and multicultural aviation environments across the world.”
Speaking to the appointment, Mr Sharp said he’s looking forward contributing to one of the Hunter’s key economic drivers in Newcastle Airport.
“My passion for the aviation sector is well known and having worked across a number of Australia’s leading airlines I am looking forward to applying my expertise to guide Newcastle Airport to long-term success.
“A powerhouse of potential already exists within the Hunter and I see the airport as the lynchpin for converting this into reality. I’m honoured to have this opportunity to contribute.”
Rob Sharp has held senior roles across a number of the country’s most high-profile airline businesses, including CEO of Tigerair Australia along with Head of Strategy and Business Innovation and Head of Global Airport Infrastructure at Qantas Airways.
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