Airways - Making your world possible

Executive Leadership Team

Chief Executive

James Young Chief Executive

James joined Airways in July 2014 as the Chief Financial Officer, responsible for Airways’ financial management, procurement and property activities. In February 2023, he was appointed Chief Executive.

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Chief Executive Officer, Airways International

Sharon Cooke Chief Executive Officer, Airways International

Sharon Cooke is CEO of Airways International Ltd and a fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. She is an experienced aviation executive with a strong background in international business, digital technologies and training.

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General Manager Air Traffic Services

Ben Girard General Manager Air Traffic Services

Ben joined Airways in November 2023 as the General Manager of Air Traffic Services (ATS) responsible for delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective ATS within the New Zealand Domestic and Oceanic Flight Information Regions (FIRs) with a focus on building strong customer relationships and driving team culture engagement and performance within ATS.

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General Manager People and Partnerships

Jamie Gray General Manager People and Partnerships

Jamie joined Airways in January 2021. As General Manager Commercial and Partnerships, Jamie is responsible for strategy, strategic customer and stakeholder relationships, communications, public affairs and sustainability.

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General Manager Safety and Assurance

Kim Nichols General Manager Safety and Assurance

Kim specialises in safety, governance, change and safety culture. Since joining Airways in 2010, Kim has integrated Airways' governance functions for safety (health and safety and operational safety), audit and risk management, security management and analysis and advisory. Kim has lead the creation of the integrated Airways Safety Management System, encompassing the CANSO standard of excellence, CAA Rule Part 100 and the Health and Safety Act 2015.

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Chief Information Officer

Geoff Peck Chief Information Officer

Geoff has worked at Airways as the Manager Enterprise Architecture, Security and networks for six years. 

Previously Geoff was the chief technical architect at Tait Communications, CEO of Biotech company Syft Technologies, and CEO of router/switch developer Allied Telesyn labs.

Geoff has degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Operations Research.

Chief Financial Officer

Tim Poonan Chief Financial Officer

Tim joined Airways in October 2023 and is responsible for Airways’ financial management activities. Tim manages key relationships with Airways' Audit and Finance Committee and the New Zealand Treasury.

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