Avalon Airport chief executive officer (CEO) Justin Giddings has won this year’s Geelong Business Leader of the Year award after bringing international flights to the city.
Business excellence awards judges gave the recognition to Mr Giddings for his work on delivering a new international terminal and for overseeing protracted negotiations to secure AirAsia as Avalon’s first international carrier.
The historic agreement was the culmination of several years’ work by Mr Giddings and his team.
He has been CEO at the airport for a decade and leads its management and staff in its strategic direction and day-to-day operations.
“The preparation and finalisation of the 20-year master plan for the entire airport site was a key achievement for Justin,” Avalon’s award entry for him says.
“The level of board, government and community consultation during the development of the plan was intense, and resulted in a widely embraced and effective working document.”
Mr Giddings also negotiated various leases for new business operations from six large hangars and worked with State Government to secure domestic airline Jetstar at Avalon for another 10 years.
“Justin Giddings is recognised throughout the aviation industry as a dynamic and outcome driven leader,“ the entry says.
“He is acknowledged both for his skill and expertise and sought after in Australia and internationally to present at key aviation conferences.“
