Auckland Airport has appointed Darren Evans as chief safety and risk officer; a newly created executive leadership position focused on the identification, management and assurance of the organisation’s safety and risk management.
Darren brings 30 years safety and risk management experience across multiple industries, including aviation and construction, most recently at Air New Zealand.
Auckland Airport chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui says the establishment of a chief safety and risk officer reflected the importance the company placed on managing the risks of undertaking major construction projects amid the post-pandemic return of aircraft and passengers.
The role will also be the nominated Part 100 senior person, accountable for the safe management of the airport’s aviation activities under the Civil Aviation Rules.
“Anyone who has recently visited Auckland Airport will see the enormous level of activity happening in every corner of the precinct. We are well underway with delivering vital infrastructure that will transform the airport experience. This is undeniably an exciting and hugely positive time for Auckland Airport.
“But it is not without its challenges and risks, which need to be managed across not just our own company, but in collaboration with all our commercial, aviation and construction partners working at the airport. The chief safety and risk officer is a vital role and that’s reflected in its establishment as part of my leadership team.
“And I’m delighted to have Darren joining the Auckland Airport whānau in this capacity. He brings a great deal of proven safety and risk management knowledge and leadership from both aviation and construction. He understands our business deeply and the key risk areas for us.”
Darren joins Auckland Airport on November 13, from Air New Zealand where he is general manager people safety and aviation medicine, a senior leadership role responsible for setting and delivering the health, safety, wellbeing and medical strategy for the company.
Prior to Air New Zealand, Darren led health and safety strategies and accountability at multinational engineering, design and construction companies, and within the utilities, infrastructure and financial services sectors.
“I feel extremely privileged to be joining the Auckland Airport executive leadership team as chief safety and risk officer,” he says.
“Touching down at Auckland Airport is the very first experience many people have of New Zealand, and it plays a hugely important role in the growth and prosperity of our country.
“From the communities on our doorstep right out to the corners of Aotearoa New Zealand, the aviation hub that is Auckland Airport provides critical connectivity, trade links and employment. As we work to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure while maintaining the 24/7 aviation rhythm, it’s crucial Auckland Airport’s safety and operational surety continues supporting the traveller experience and the operations of our aviation partners.”
