Auckland Airport Announces Appointment of Chief Digital Officer

Auckland Airport has appointed Richard Wilkinson (Tūhoe) as Chief Digital Officer, an executive team position focused on the management of the airport’s technology function and the delivery of digital innovation.

Mr Wilkinson will join Auckland Airport on 14 August, bringing more than twenty years’ experience in large, complex, and high-profile digital environments across a range of industries. He has held positions at major New Zealand brands and businesses including New Zealand Rugby, Stuff, Tourism New Zealand, Fonterra, and joins the airport from Farmlands, a farming services co-operative, where he is Pou Āpiha Matahiko, Chief Innovation & Digital Officer.

Auckland Airport Chief Executive, Carrie Hurihanganui, said Mr Wilkinson’s proven leadership in managing change both within the digital environment and across organisational cultures will be an asset for Auckland Airport.

“We’re underway with a substantial, and necessary, reinvestment in our core infrastructure, which will greatly improve the experience of every customer at Auckland Airport. Technology is an important underpinning for that investment, ensuring operations and services across the aviation system run as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“The 24/7 nature of an airport makes for a challenging environment to undertake technology change, but Richard brings an authentic, energetic, and inclusive leadership style that will be a real asset to a role that requires collaboration both internally and externally across airport teams.

“Richard’s strong connection to te ao Māori, both in his personal and work life, is welcomed in an organisation that values its iwi partnerships and community relationships.”

Mr Wilkinson said digital services and technology have an important role to play in ensuring every visit to the airport is seamless.

“Whether you’re a frequent flyer or it’s your first taste of New Zealand, your experience at Auckland Airport needs to be smooth, easy and enjoyable. Having the right digital systems in place is key. I can’t wait to get underway making a real difference every day at New Zealand’s main aviation gateway.”