Board of Directors
Denise Church, Chair QSO
Denise was appointed as Chair of the Airways Board in January 2019, bringing a wide range of governance and management experience.
She is a Chartered Fellow of the Institute of Directors and has been Chair of the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) since July 2015. Denise is on the boards of Predator Free Wellington Ltd and Scouts New Zealand, is director and shareholder of Leadership Matters Limited and consults on strategy, governance and leadership.
Denise was Chief Executive of the Ministry for the Environment from 1996 to 2001. She has previously served on the Health IT Board, the Science Board, the Boards of Karori Sanctuary Trust, Ako Aotearoa, FRST, Landcare Research, and the Wellington Zoo Trust.
In 2002 Denise was appointed as a Companion of the Queens Service Order.
Mark Pitt, Deputy Chair BSc, ATPL
Mark was appointed to the Airways Board in November 2015. He has 25 years’ experience as a pilot, initially as an international military pilot and later as a domestic airline pilot instructor.
Read moreMark has also served as a director of a number of Boards including Virgin Australia New Zealand and the Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand Incorporated (BARNZ). He is the owner and director of distribution company Quinn International Ltd and manufacturing and distribution company G&M Pty Ltd in Australia, and runs a consultancy called Frontseat which specialises in leadership and marketing.
Throughout his career Mark has operated in highly competitive international markets, managed complex operational and commercial business functions, and led strong international brands with a focus on innovation and quality products and customer service.
Darin Cusack
Darin Cusack was appointed to the Airways Board in April 2018. Darin’s senior leadership roles in the aviation and transport sectors span three decades.
Read moreThis extensive aviation experience includes, most recently, leading the Pacific Aviation Investment Program for the World Bank across five countries and reforming the Pacific Aviation Safety Office.
Bringing operational and commercial acumen, Darin provides clear strategic direction, supported by strong processes. He has held chief executive and senior executive roles across airport, air traffic, aviation security and airline organisations throughout New Zealand and Tonga and is a member of the Institute of Directors. Darin has a focus on continual improvement, strengthening relationships, and the provision of safe and secure operations.
John Holt
John was appointed to the Airways Board in January 2019. He is an experienced company director and entrepreneur, holding a number of governance roles over 20 years.
John is the founder of Technology and Innovations New Zealand (TAINZ) and co- founder of internet business start-ups Sonar6 (sold to US company Cornerstone in 2012) Homes.co.nz. Previously he has held governance and directorship roles with 90 Seconds TV, Cloud Cannon, Mobi2Go, Joy Business Academy and Putti Apps.
In 2011 John co-founded the not for profit organisation Kiwi Landing Pad with Sam Morgan. Landing Pad has evolved into a community of more than 5000 entrepreneurs and innovators commercialising Kiwi technology and exporting it globally.
John has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Military History and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. He has had a lifelong interest in aviation and is a flying member of the Wellington Aero Club and Canterbury Aero Club.
Mark Hutchinson BSc (Hons), MSc, PGDip Clinical Psychology
Mark was appointed to the Airways Board in November 2019. Over 20 years, he has applied his background in psychology to both leadership consulting and organisational development across a broad range of industries in New Zealand and the UK.
Read moreMark is Managing Partner of his own leadership consultancy, Divergent & Co. His work is focussed on supporting executive leadership teams to improve organisational performance through capability and culture.
Mark has held previous roles with RBS, Barclays and Sainsbury’s. In New Zealand he has worked with, Chorus, Vodafone, Trustpower and Fletcher Building.
Paula Jackson MInstD
Paula Jackson was appointed to the Airways Board in January 2019. Her career spans 25 years in marketing and channel management, holding leadership and general management positions at ANZ, Telecom (Spark), Vodafone and Xero. Paula is a Member of the Institute of Directors (MInstD) and was selected for the Mentoring for Diversity program in 2017.
Read moreShe is currently a director for Quotable Value, Mercer (N.Z.) Limited, Marsello and Who’s on Location, where she is also Chair.
Paula is studying for an MBA at Otago University.
Lisa Jacobs BCom, LLB, CA, CMinstD
Lisa Jacobs was appointed to the Airways board in November 2018.
She brings a strong legal, financial and risk management focus to the role. Lisa is the Chief Executive Officer of national law firm Anthony Harper and has extensive experience in the professional firm environment and investment management sector, where she has held both senior executive and board roles.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Auckland, is a Chartered Accountant, and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors.