Leadership team

Robert Sinclair
Chief Executive Officer

Robert SinclairA qualified lawyer and chartered accountant, Robert was Chief Financial Officer at Auckland Airport in New Zealand before joining Bristol Airport in 2008.

Prior to his role at Auckland, Robert was an Executive Director for the investment bank UBS where he advised clients in the airport, airline and transport sectors.

Since becoming CEO, Robert has overseen the commencement of significant developments to enhance the airport’s facilities and customer service delivery, including the construction of a walkway to link remote aircraft stands to the terminal building and a new walk-through tax and duty free store.

Robert lives in Somerset with his wife and two children.

“Bristol Airport plays a vital role in the on-going success of Bristol and the South West. It connects the region’s passengers to the rest of the UK, Europe and beyond, and provides a gateway for inbound tourists.

“We will continue to enhance facilities, widen choice and increase value as we strive to provide the very best journey for all of our passengers.”

Jim McAuliffe
Finance Director

Jim McAuliffe, Finance DirectorA qualified accountant, Jim began his career with Ernst & Young before embarking on a range of finance and project management roles in the services sector.

After joining Bristol Airport in 1998 as Financial Controller, Jim became Commercial Manager in 2000. In this role he was closely involved in the deal which brought Go to the airport, laying the foundations for the large easyJet base which exists today.

As Financial Director since 2002, Jim has responsibility for the People and IT departments at Bristol Airport, as well as the Finance function.

Jim was a Non-Executive Director of Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust between 2008 and early 2012. In September 2012 he became a Trustee of the Arnolfini Gallery in Bristol, one of Europe’s leading centres for the contemporary arts. He is also a committee member of the North Somerset branch of Quartet Community Foundation.

Jim is married with two daughters and has lived in the South West since 1989, with the exception of 18 months spent working in France. Outside work, his interests include football, cricket, and foreign travel.

“Aviation is a fast-moving industry – flexibility and adaptability are critical. Ultimately, we have to provide our customers – whether that be airlines, or the passengers themselves – with great service at the best possible price. Adaptable people, efficient systems and keen cost control are key to staying ahead of the game,” he says.

Paul Davies
Operations Director

Paul Davies, Operations DirectorPaul qualified originally as a Metallurgist with British Steel before training as an aircraft engineer in 1975. He spent 20 years in HM Forces before joining Bristol Airport in 1996.

During a period a rapid growth at Bristol Airport, Paul has ensured the airport remains one of the UK’s leading regional airports, overseeing a range of operational and safety improvements. In 1994 Paul was awarded the MBE for his work in aviation.

Paul is married with two grown-up children and has lived in the South West since 1976.

“Strong relationships with our business partners ensure we provide an efficient service to our airline customers,” he says.

Shaun Browne
Aviation Director

Shaun Browne, Aviation DirectorShaun has worked at Bristol Airport since leaving school 30 years ago, including spells in air traffic control and as a route development analyst. During this time he has seen the airport grow from handling 200,000 passengers per annum to around six million currently.

Shaun’s priority is to ensure Bristol Airport offers a comprehensive portfolio of routes and services, identifying the optimum carriers with the best products to serve the needs of both inbound and outbound markets. He also oversees the airport’s sales, marketing and PR functions.

Shaun is married with two children and lives in South Gloucestershire, where he coaches a local junior rugby team.

“More than five million passengers from the South West and Wales use London airports every year, and we believe we can better serve many of those people from within the region,” he says.

“As well as enjoying a strong catchment area for outbound passengers, Bristol Airport’s proximity to major tourist destinations like Bath, Stonehenge and the Cotswolds means that inbound tourism will play an increasingly important part in the airport’s future.”

Alan Davies
Planning & Environment Director

Alan Davies, Planning & Environment DirectorA chartered civil engineer with nearly 30 years’ experience in airport planning, design and construction, Alan held positions at several major UK airports prior to joining Bristol Airport in 1997.

Since leading the design and construction of the current terminal building, Alan has overseen planning for the next phase of the airport’s development, from the publication of a Master Plan in 2006 to the recent submission of a planning application for facilities to handle growth to 10 million passengers per annum.

Alan also has responsibility for Bristol Airport’s environmental management plan, and is actively exploring ways to reduce airport emissions through the use of on-site renewable energy and improved operational procedures.

Alan lives in Somerset with his wife and two children, and follows local football team, Bristol Rovers.

“Operating a sustainable airport is a balancing act between ensuring business and leisure passengers have access to the benefits of air travel while at the same time limiting the impacts on local communities and the environment,” he says.

Simon Preece 
Commercial Director

Simon Preece, Head of Retail & ConcessionsSimon is an experienced retailer with over 25 years’ experience in operational and commercial roles on the UK high street, including a number of positions within the WH Smith Group.

Since joining Bristol Airport, Simon has been responsible for developing and improving the commercial offer, bringing in national and international brands Superdrug, Starbucks and Subway alongside regional offers such as SOHO Coffee Co.

Simon heads a commercial team with experience of high street and airport retailing, car park operations and public transport. He is responsible for negotiations with business partners and the day-to-day performance of Bristol Airport’s commercial operation.

Simon lives with his wife in Somerset and has two children. He enjoys playing and watching sport.

“Airports are exciting places, with a constant requirement to evolve and exceed customers’ expectations. Shops and restaurants play an important part in the passenger journey and we have plans to further enhance the retail experience at Bristol Airport as the airport develops,” he says.