Nelson Airport Chief Executive Mark Thompson Resigns

Nelson Airport’s Mark Thompson has resigned from his role as chief executive officer, and will leave the airport in July to move into consultancy work and spend more time with family. 

Mark joined the airport in 2021 and has overseen its recovery from the Covid-era travel decline to once more being a thriving regional gateway, welcoming more than 900,000 passengers a year through its doors. 

Nelson Airport Ltd chair Quinton Hall said Mark had done a great job leading the airport’s recovery. 

“He leaves the airport in a far stronger position with an effective team in place, an inspiring vision for the future of Nelson Airport as a world-class facility where zero-emissions aircraft take flight, and robust stakeholder relationships. His tenure has seen significant progress in modernising the airport’s property holdings and implementing safety enhancements throughout the airport precinct. 

“While we’re sad to see Mark go, the board wishes him every success in future.” 

Mark said leading the airport had been an exciting and satisfying role. “I’d like to thank my team and the board for their support over the past three years. The airport is a fantastic asset for this region and it’s been a great pleasure to be part of its story.” 

Mark will leave his role in July 2024. The Nelson Airport board will soon begin recruitment for a new chief executive officer.