Executive Management

Richard Barker, Chief Executive Officer

Richard Barker was appointed as NQA’s Chief Executive Officer in December 2020, after joining the NQA Board of Directors in 2015. Richard has extensive experience in the Airports, Retail and Energy sectors. In his previous role as General Manager of Retail & Commercial at Auckland International Airport, Richard was responsible for the airport’s retail, transport and premium lounge businesses.

Richard has more than 30 years of global experience having worked and lived in New Zealand, UK, USA and Australia. Richard holds a BMS (Marketing / Finance) and a KMI from Kellogg Business School – Chicago and is a member NZ Institute of Directors.

Joanne Khoo, General Counsel and Company Secretary

Joanne leads the NQA Legal and Company Secretariat team and is responsible for legal, governance, enterprise risk management and company secretariat duties. Joanne has significant experience in the aviation sector and has deep insight into the infrastructure, energy, property, retail, operational and commercial/aviation activities that comprise NQA’s business.

Prior to joining NQA, Joanne held senior positions at Sydney Airport Ltd, Arup Pty Ltd and various highly reputable law firms. Joanne is committed to good governance, sustainability and aviation growth & tourism in Far North Queensland. Joanne holds a Bachelor of Arts/Law, Masters of Law, Diploma in Legal Practice Management and is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia.

Michele Wong, Chief Financial Officer

Michele Wong leads NQA’s finance and information technology activities. Michele has over 20 years’ experience in transport and infrastructure finance, including senior roles at Macquarie Group, Hastings Funds Management and Port of Brisbane. She was also previously a member of the board of directors of NQA.  

Garry Porter, Chief Operating Officer

Garry leads the Aviation, Operations, Commercial and Marketing teams for NQA. Garry joined NQA in April 2019 as the General Manager Mackay Airport. Garry has considerable experience working in the aviation and tourism sectors and has an in-depth understanding of regional airports around the country. He has a keen understanding of the importance of working collaboratively with stakeholders, the community and airlines to generate industry development. Garry has over 20 years operational, commercial and management experience across the aviation sector within the Asia-Pacific region.

Alan Dugan, General Manager Property and Infrastructure

Alan leads the Property and Infrastructure team for Cairns and Mackay Airports responsible for all of aspects of environmental management, planning, development, construction and asset management. Alan has over 20 years’ experience in infrastructure development from design and construction, through to operation and maintenance. Most recently, Alan has held senior positions at Hamad International Airport Doha and Darwin Airport in the Northern Territory.

Andrea Ferrier, General Manager People and Culture

Andrea has over 20 years’ experience as a People & Culture leader within fast paced environments, coupled with operational experience. She has worked across a variety of industries, including retail, manufacturing, and supply chain, and has supporting qualifications with a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Management.

Andrea is passionate about implementing cultural change programs and developing talent.