21 October 2009

Two new directors appointed to Airport Board

Two new directors have been appointed to the board of Christchurch International Airport Ltd (CIAL). They are both Christchurch business people, company director Catherine Drayton and investor and company director George Gould. “We’re delighted to have directors of this calibre, who will bring further  business experience to the board,” said Chairman of the Board David Mackenzie.  The new directors fill the positions left vacant by Jim Boult, who is now CIAL’s Chief Executive, and outgoing director Sue Sheldon, who resigned after eleven years on the board.

Catherine Drayton has extensive overseas experience, most recently as a senior partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, leading the Assurance & Advisory practice for Central and Eastern Europe from 2001 to 2004.  Prior to this management role she was a mergers and acquisition specialist principally focused on the manufacturing sector.

Catherine has acquired several directorships since returning to Christchurch including Meridian Energy Ltd, Ngai Tahu Holdings, Industrial Research Ltd and Hockey NZ.  Catherine has an LLB and B.Com from Canterbury University and is member of NZ Institute of Chartered Accountants.  She has recently been appointed to the University of Canterbury Council.

“Catherine brings a great deal of board experience and a good strategic understanding to the role,” said David Mackenzie.

George Gould is an investor and company director of Gould Holdings Limited and is presently either Chairman or Director of all of Gould Holdings Limited's subsidiaries. A former graduate of Law from Canterbury University and of Finance from the London School of Economics, George Gould has investment banking and management experience in many industries including cold testing vehicle and tyre testing, tourism, news media monitoring, and commercial property among others. He is also a director of Orion NZ and the Board Chairman of Cathedral Grammar School. “George is a seasoned investor and manager who has a lifetime commitment to Christchurch,” said David Mackenzie. “His commercial skills will further strengthen the business acumen of the board.”