Western Sydney Airport CEO Graham Millett today announced he will step down from his role in June 2020.
“After nearly 30 years in the industry, aviation and infrastructure are in my blood and I feel privileged to be a part of such a game changing and inspiring project that will bring so many benefits to Western Sydney,” Mr Millett said.
After more than two years with the company, Mr Millett has decided the time is right to pursue other priorities.
Mr Millett leaves Western Sydney Airport in a strong position, with the $5.3 billion project on time and on budget.
Western Sydney Airport Chair Paul O’Sullivan said as founding CEO of the project, its success to date is a tribute to Mr Millett and the team he built.
“Graham’s blend of strategic and tactical thinking has ideally positioned the project to take advantage of future opportunities and rise to meet its challenges,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“We thank him for his dedication and leadership.”
Mr Millett will remain in the role until the end of the financial year to ensure a smooth transition to a new CEO.
“Graham will continue to lead the company as we commence the search for the new CEO. His agreement to stay on until next June ensures sufficient time for an effective handover,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
Since Western Sydney Airport was established the company has:
- Commenced Airport construction in September 2018, with around 1.7 million cubic metres of earth moved in the early earthworks phase;
- Awarded major contracts for bulk earthworks, on track to begin in early 2020, and terminal precinct design, with concept designs for the passenger terminal released in October 2019. Market sounding for terminal precinct construction is also underway, with a tender to be released in 2020;
- Constructed the on-site Experience Centre, which has welcomed more than 3,000 visitors since it opened in September 2019;
- Met and exceeded its workforce targets for 30 percent of its construction workforce coming from Western Sydney (this target increases to 50 percent when the Airport is operational), 20 percent of its workforce undertaking work-related training and 10 percent diversity in its workforce (this target includes culturally and linguistically diverse workers, Aboriginal workers and women in leadership and non-traditional roles);
- Signed MOUs with the Qantas Group, Virgin Australia Group and ten major freight companies.
Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport is on track to open to passenger and freight operations in 2026.
