News Release (23/09/08)
Robert Sinclair has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bristol International Airport.
Formerly Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Auckland International Airport in New Zealand and a qualified lawyer and chartered accountant, Robert brings a broad range of airport management and general business experience to the role.
In his most recent role at Auckland Airport, Robert had responsibility for the finance, strategy, corporate affairs and IT divisions at an airport handling more than 13 million passengers per annum. Auckland Airport is the premier gateway to New Zealand receiving more than 70 per cent of the country’s international visitors. Auckland Airport was recently ranked third in the world in the annual Airports Council International awards for overall passenger satisfaction for airports that manage 5 to 15 million travelers.
Robert was instrumental in developing a new vision and brand for Auckland Airport that genuinely represented New Zealand’s unique heritage and tourism attractions and focused on providing an outstanding welcome to visitors. He also oversaw a significant four year investment programme in upgrading and expanding all aspects of the airport’s facilities, including runways, terminals, car parking facilities and road infrastructure.
Luke Bugeja, Chairman of the Board of Bristol International Airport, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Robert to his new role as CEO of Bristol International. He will play a key role in taking forward the airport’s development plans, ensuring that it continues to make a vital contribution to the economy of the South West.”
Robert Sinclair said: “I am excited to have this opportunity to work with the airport management team and staff of Bristol International Airport. The airport has a very important responsibility and role to play in the on-going success of Bristol and the South West region. It provides local passengers with connectivity to the rest of the UK and abroad and welcomes tourists to the attractions of the region. My focus will be to build on the strong foundations already in place, further enhance the passenger experience, provide excellent services to our airline customers and work with North Somerset Council and other stakeholders to grow the airport in a sustainable way.”
Prior to his role at Auckland Airport, Robert was an executive director for the investment bank UBS where he was involved in advising clients in the airport, airline and transport sectors, among others things. Robert has also worked for a leading US law firm (Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom) in New York, Hong Kong and also in London where he was based for 18 months during the mid 1990s.
A New Zealander, Robert has recently immigrated to the UK with his wife, Sylvia, and two boys aged 10 and 6. He will be relocating to the North Somerset area with his family immediately and is looking forward to becoming an active participant in the local community. His interests include running, swimming, cycling, history, travel and spending time with his family.
Robert will take up his new position on 20 October 2008.