Airport signals chief arrival

FORMER Melbourne Airport leader Tony Brun will take over as chief executive officer at Avalon Airport later this year.

Mr Brun will step down from his post as CEO of Perth council City of Cockburn to take the reins of the Geelong region airport in October.

The incoming boss was previously head of planning at Melbourne Airport, which included overseeing a $15 billion project for a proposed third runway, an airport rail project and terminal developments.

Mr Brun also secured approval of a similar masterplan for Perth Airport in a previous role in 2014, as part of 20 years total experience at regional and metropolitan airports.

He said he was excited to start his new role.

“This role is extremely attractive given the amazing potential of the region, the strong sense of community, a great industry asset at Avalon and all as part of Linfox, which brings credibility, capacity and an unparalleled reputation for trust and delivery.

“I have strong connections with regional communities and economies and see an exciting opportunity for developing Avalon as an integrated passenger, freight, logistics and commercial precinct creating economic growth and jobs for the Greater Geelong and Wyndham communities.

“As an experienced engineer and executive I have been involved in a variety of public and private sector organisations.”

City of Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett praised the outgoing leader for improvements in transparency, forward planning and achieving executive gender balance during his 18-month stint at the helm.

Avalon Airport had been on the hunt for a new CEO since Justin Giddings announced he would leave the role to become chief of the ADMA Foundation.