Melbourne Airport has announced that current chief of aviation, Lorie Argus, has been named as the new chief executive of Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), which manages and operates Melbourne and Launceston Airports.
Ms Argus’ appointment will take effect from July 1, and will allow for a period of transition as Lyell Strambi steps away from the role on June 30, after successfully steering Melbourne Airport through the most challenging period in its history.
APAC board chair Peter Hay said: “After an extensive global search, we are delighted to be appointing one of APAC’s own to the role of CEO.
“Lorie brings a wealth of aviation experience, a detailed knowledge of our business, and a great passion for the people who make the airport work.
“The board is impressed by her customer-focused approach and her ability to deliver creative solutions to complex problems”.
Ms Argus said she was excited to be leading the team at Melbourne Airport as it continues to recover from the pandemic.
“It has been a difficult few years for Melbourne, but I’ve been so impressed by the efforts of our people to not only keep the airport operating, but also to create a stronger business,” she said.
“I’m proud to take on the leadership of Melbourne Airport’s team and look forward to delivering the upgrades, that are so critical for both the airport and Victoria.
“The third runway project will ensure we have capacity to cater for our state’s growing population and freight task for decades to come, and our terminal upgrades will provide passengers with a world-class airport
experience.
“Lyell leaves an incredible legacy, and my goal is to build on that to make Melbourne Airport the Australian destination of choice for international carriers, and an airport our city can be proud of”.
Mr Strambi said it has been a privilege to lead the team at Melbourne Airport.
“In my seven years as CEO the airport has experienced record highs and record lows,” he said.
“I’ve been particularly proud and humbled by the way our people handled the COVID-19 crisis and the drive and commitment they show to keep improving, even in the toughest of circumstances.
“I’m looking forward to rebalancing my life and spending my time at Melbourne Airport as a passenger.”
