Avalon Airport chief executive Justin Giddings will step down next month to take over the Australian International Airshow.
The AMDA Foundation, the organisation behind the show held at Avalon, announced this week long-time chief executive Ian Honnery would retire after 46 years and Mr Giddings would take over the role.
“At the age of 75 it is time for me to hand over to a new generation of leadership, who will build on and advance the organisation’s achievements and success,” Mr Honnery said.
AMDA Foundation chair Chris Ritchie paid tribute to Honnery’s stewardship of AMDA Foundation since its beginning.
“AMDA Foundation’s stature as an established, respected leader in promotion of Australian industry owes much to the vision, skill and sheer determination of the man who has led the organisation for some 46 years since its inception,” he said.
“Over nearly five decades Ian Honnery and his team have created an organisation which has made a material contribution to the development of Australian industry, in the interests of the nation.
“Ian’s retirement, delayed so he could steer AMDA through the tribulations of COVID and oversee AMDA’s contribution to the Royal Australian Air Force Centenary year, will be well deserved.”
Mr Ritchie said the board expected a smooth transition when Mr Giddings took over from the end of March.
“The AMDA Foundation board believes Justin Giddings has the experience, vision and drive to pick up where Ian Honnery leaves off and to ensure the continued success of AMDA Foundation for the future,” he said.
“The selection of Justin Giddings means AMDA will continue to be led by a chief executive who is an accomplished and constructive business leader, committed to AMDA’s altruistic mission and familiar with the complexities and challenges of the Australian International Airshow as AMDA’s signature event.”
Mr Giddings said he was looking forward to the new challenge.
“I have always strongly supported AMDA Foundation’s mission of stimulating Australian industry promotion and engagement through industry focused events and in fostering public awareness of industry and of opportunities in careers and skills,” he said.
“I have been fortunate to have worked alongside Ian for many years and have enormous admiration and respect for what he has achieved. He leads a wonderful organisation and I am humbled to continue his service to the industry.”
