OREANDA-NEWS. Auckland Airport has announced that its Board has unanimously nominated Michelle Guthrie to stand for election to the Board at its 2013 annual meeting as an independent non-executive director.

Chair, Joan Withers, says the Board undertook an extensive domestic and international recruitment process for the nomination.

“Michelle is a seasoned media executive, with 13 years’ experience in Asia focussed roles and expertise in the areas of digital marketing, business development, business acquisitions, law and governance,” says Mrs Withers.

“She is currently an executive at Google Asia Pacific, based in Singapore, and has considerable international board experience. She sits on the boards of Modern Times Group in Sweden, Pacific Star Network in Melbourne and Plan International in Hong Kong.”

“Michelle is an Australian living in Singapore and travels regularly throughout Asia as part of her current role with Google.  She speaks Mandarin and has the experience and skills to broaden our Board’s and company’s engagement with new markets and, in particular, our key growth markets in Asia. Her customer engagement and new media experience will also serve the airport well as it addresses the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.”

“Her appointment will greatly help Auckland Airport drive future growth in New Zealand travel, trade and tourism,” says Mrs Withers.

Ms Guthrie says she is excited about joining the Board, if shareholders choose to elect her at the annual meeting in October.

“I strongly support the direction Auckland Airport is taking in engaging with the growing markets of Asia. I am looking forward to bringing my experience to the team and making a contribution to the growth of New Zealand’s dynamic tourism industry,” says Ms Guthrie.

The Board will recommend to shareholders the appointment of Ms Guthrie at its annual meeting on 24 October 2013.