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.

Tracey Mellor, Chief Financial Officer

Tracey was appointed as NQA’s Chief Financial Officer in March 2025 and has responsibility for Finance, Treasury, ICT, Procurement and Business Planning.  She has over 25 years of experience in senior finance roles across Aviation, Infrastructure and Maintenance Services in ASX, Government and Private enterprises and was most recently the CFO for Airport Development Group (Darwin and Alice Springs airports). Her experience covers large scale change programs, M&A and ERP implementations. Tracey holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from QUT, is a Chartered Accountant and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. 

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.

Nikolina Regan, General Counsel and Company Secretary

Nikolina leads the Legal, Governance, Compliance and Corporate Risk functions at NQA. 

Nikolina has over 20 years legal experience, combined with top-tier law firm credentials. Her legal expertise spans aviation, major infrastructure projects, M&A transaction stewardship and market expansion. 

Prior to joining NQA, Nikolina held senior legal roles within the commercial airline, energy, and technology sectors. During her time in private practice, Nikolina held senior roles with top-tier international law firms in Sydney and London, specialising in critical infrastructure projects. 

Nikolina is passionate about delivering customer centric legal support, through efficient processes and streamlined corporate systems to manage risk and support business performance. Nikolina holds a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) and a Master of International and Community Development.