Organisational framework
Our governance
We are a corporate Commonwealth entity established and governed by the Air Services Act 1995. We are wholly owned by the Australian Government, and are accountable to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development. Our governance is also regulated by the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.
We are committed to meeting high standards of corporate governance which we consider essential to our long-term performance and sustainability, and to be in the best interests of our owner. Our governance practices are regularly reviewed to ensure they align to Australian legislative and regulatory requirements and contemporary better practice. A copy of our Governance Statement is available for download below.
Our Board
Our Board, as our governing body, is responsible for deciding the objectives, strategies and policies we follow, and ensuring that we perform our functions in a proper, efficient and effective manner. Our Board members (other than our Chief Executive Officer) are appointed by our Minister. Copies of our Board and Board committee charters are available for download below.
Our Board also has oversight of Australia's Aircraft Noise Ombudsman, which conducts independent administrative reviews of the management of aircraft noise-related activities by us and the Royal Australian Air Force. You can access the current ANO Charter here.
Corporate reporting
Corporate plans
Acting Chairperson
Chair Alternate Funding Committee
BA CA GAICD
Anne Brown was first appointed to the Board on 4 December 2019. She was appointed Deputy Chairperson on 13 December 2024 and Acting Chairperson on 3 June 2025. She is Chair of the Board Alternate Finance Committee. Anne Brown, as Acting Chairperson, is an ex-officio member of each Board Committee except the Board Audit and Risk Committee. She is a non-executive Board member and her current term expires on 10 December 2027.
Ms Brown has substantial knowledge and practical experience of Australian and international exchange traded financial markets and related infrastructure, risk management, governance and regulatory environments. She was previously Chief Risk Officer with ASX Limited (ASX), following its merger with SFE Corporation Limited (SFE).
Ms Brown also represented ASX as an executive committee member and then Chair of CCP12, an influential global industry association involving all major international clearing houses. Prior to the ASX–SFE merger, she was a general manager with SFE and previously worked with KPMG in both Edinburgh and Sydney.
Ms Brown is a non-executive Director of AEMO Services Ltd, and a member of the Markets Disciplinary Panel at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Anne Brown was previously a member of the Finance and Risk Committee of Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College Ltd, a Board member of the Clean Energy Regulator and former Chair of the Australian Life Code Compliance Committee.
Ms Brown holds a double major degree in accountancy and computer science from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Chair Board Safety Committee
FRAeS, Meng, GAICD
Nicolle Connelly was appointed to the Board on 1 August 2023 and her current term expires on 31 July 2026. Ms Connelly is Chair of the Safety Committee, member of the People, Culture and Remuneration Committee and a member of the Technology Committee.
Ms Connelly’s career spans over 35 years in the aviation sector. This career includes a variety of roles and responsibilities in Airservices Australia, Airlines and Academia.
Currently Nicolle Connelly is Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Aviation at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Ms Connelly’s specialisation is Air Traffic Management and Transport Safety.
Nicolle Connelly is also a director of the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
Ms Connelly was previously employed at Airservices Australia for 27 years. During that time Nicolle Connelly held operational management and senior management roles, including service as a qualified operational air traffic controller.
Nicolle has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Teaching Excellence award from the Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) and she was the Female Educator of the Year at RMIT in 2022. She was the recipient of the Women in Aviation/Aerospace for outstanding contribution to the aviation or aerospace sectors in 2020.
Nicolle is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society (FRAeS) and a Fellow of the International Federation of National Teaching (IFNTF). She has a Master of Engineering Airworthiness from RMIT.
Chair Technology Committee
GAICD
Lawrie Turner was appointed to the Board in 2021 and reappointed in 2024. He is Chair of the Technology Committee and a member of the Safety Committee, Audit and Risk Committee and Alternate Funding Committee. Mr Turner’s current term expires in 2027.
Mr Turner has held the position of Chief Information Officer in airline, retail, telecom and rail industries. He has over 20 years ’experience in the aviation industry having worked at executive levels in Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia Airlines and internationally with Sabre Corporation of the USA. Lawrie developed the strategy and then led the integration of commercial IT systems supporting the merger of Qantas and Australian Airlines and represented Qantas in the formation of the Oneworld Alliance. As Vice President for Sabre’s Sirena-3 program in Russia, Mr Turner led the team which implemented the first multi-host airline reservations system in the country. At Virgin Australia, Lawrie held the roles of Chief Information Officer, acting Chief Operating Officer and Group Executive Business Services.
He has carried out strategic technology-related consulting assignments for organisations including the Department of Defence’s Chief Information Officer Group and Newcrest Mining. Mr Turner is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Chair Sustainability Committee
AO, DSC
Mel Hupfeld was appointed to the Board in August 2023. Mr Hupfeld’s current term expires in July 2027. Mel Hupfeld is Chair of the Sustainability Committee and a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and the Safety Committee.
Mel Hupfeld serves on the Air Force Association Board, the Spitfire Association Advisory Council, the Swinburne Research Institute Advisory Board and is a member of the Public Service Advisory Board to provide strategic advice to government and industry clients.
Mel Hupfeld joined the Royal Australian Air Force as an Academy Cadet in January 1980 and graduated as a pilot with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1983.
During his Air Force career, he flew Mirage, Classic Hornet and Super Hornet fighter aircraft in several of the Air Force’s fighter squadrons and achieved over 3,500 flying hours. In 2001 Mel took command of No 75 Squadron (75SQN) and led the Squadron in operations in the Middle East on Operations BASTILLE and FALCONER as part of Australia’s contribution to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003. He completed several staff appointments including in the capability development and force design areas and completed the Royal Air Force Advanced Command and Staff Course, graduating with a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King's College in London in 1998.
Mel commanded at every level within Air Force and notably, on promotion to the rank of Air Marshal, was appointed as Chief of Joint Operations in May 2018 and subsequently Chief of Air Force in July 2019. He transitioned to the Air Force Reserve in July 2022. Since then, he has assisted the Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security as a member of the Expert Advisory Board to develop a National Cyber Security Strategy.
Chair Board People, Culture and Remuneration Committee
LLB, BA, MBA
Susan Ferrier was appointed to the Board on 24 March 2025 for a four-year term. She is Chair of the Board People, Culture, Remuneration Committee, a member of the Technology Committee and a member of the Sustainability Committee.
Ms Ferrier has deep expertise in cultural transformation and governance, with over 30 years’ experience working with boards across major Australian and international banking corporations, consulting, and legal firms.
Her previous roles include Group Executive for People & Culture at National Australia Bank, Global Head of People for KPMG International, KPMG Global Head of Inclusion & Diversity and the National Managing Partner for People & Culture for the KPMG Australian firm. Ms Ferrier also worked in the United Kingdom for 15 years in global and regional roles for large financial services organisations including HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, ING and NatWest.
She is a board member of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and the Financial Executives Institute, and serves on the People and Culture Committee at the University of Sydney. Ms Ferrier also sits on the Board of Jawun, a non-profit that supports economic and social development in Indigenous communities.
B.Acc, CA, GAICD
Non-executive Board Member
Chair, Board Audit and Risk Committee
Douglas Bain was appointed to the Board on 1 April 2025 for a three-year term. He is Chair of the Board Audit and Risk Committee and a member of Sustainability Committee and Alternate Funding Committee.
Mr Bain is an experienced Chartered Accountant who recently retired as senior audit partner at Ernst & Young, and has more than 30 years' experience driving financial performance across the construction, infrastructure, property, and resources sectors. Mr Bain has a strong focus on governance and financial risk management.
A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Mr Bain currently serves on several boards, including Odyssey House New South Wales. He was previously on the Audit Committee of Australian International Military Games (Invictus).
Chief Executive Officer
The Board appointed Rob Sharp Interim Chief Executive Officer in July 2024 and ongoing CEO in January 2025. At Airservices the CEO is a Board member. Rob as CEO is an ex-officio member of each Board Committee except the Board Audit and Risk Committee.
Rob brings over 25 years of senior executive experience in the aviation and transport sectors.
Rob holds a Bachelor of Business, and has had an extensive involvement with
academia, including as an adjunct professor at Curtin Business School, member of the John Grill Centre Advisory Committee at Sydney University and Governor of the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering at Sydney University.
Rob is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Chartered Accountant, a
Companion of Engineers Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of
Company Directors.
Rob served for two years as Secretary for Transport for NSW leading 30,000 employees, delivering daily transport services and operations across the state including roads, rail and ferry operations. During his tenure, the organisation was delivering a $72b pipeline of infrastructure, with a focus on world-first technology and innovation, underpinned by an organisational transformation.
Rob headed Virgin Australia Airlines for two years, leading 8,000 employees, and was responsible for all aspects of the airline business. Key achievements included an insight-driven customer focus, strengthened international alliances, and operational excellence underpinned by digital strategies.
Rob was CEO of the Low Cost Carrier Tigerair for four years, rebranding the airline, delivering a turnaround strategy and repositioning the business.
He started his transport career with Qantas Airways, working across strategy,
commercial and operational roles including responsibility for airline strategy and innovation, major transformational programs, technology developments, and global airport infrastructure and operations logistics.
Rob commenced his career with Price Waterhouse, specialising in Infrastructure
including construction and mining, and high technology. He was Operations Director for a successful start-up technology company, Hypertec Research, growing the business by 50% pa developing Australia’s largest technology exporter at the time.
Executive committee
Members
Our executive committee is responsible for the day-to-day management of our organisation.
Chief Executive Officer
The Board appointed Rob Sharp Interim Chief Executive Officer in July 2024 and ongoing CEO in January 2025. At Airservices the CEO is a Board member. Rob as CEO is an ex-officio member of each Board Committee except the Board Audit and Risk Committee.
Rob brings over 25 years of senior executive experience in the aviation and transport sectors.
Rob holds a Bachelor of Business, and has had an extensive involvement with
academia, including as an adjunct professor at Curtin Business School, member of the John Grill Centre Advisory Committee at Sydney University and Governor of the Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering at Sydney University.
Rob is also a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Chartered Accountant, a
Companion of Engineers Australia and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of
Company Directors.
Rob served for two years as Secretary for Transport for NSW leading 30,000 employees, delivering daily transport services and operations across the state including roads, rail and ferry operations. During his tenure, the organisation was delivering a $72b pipeline of infrastructure, with a focus on world-first technology and innovation, underpinned by an organisational transformation.
Rob headed Virgin Australia Airlines for two years, leading 8,000 employees, and was responsible for all aspects of the airline business. Key achievements included an insight-driven customer focus, strengthened international alliances, and operational excellence underpinned by digital strategies.
Rob was CEO of the Low Cost Carrier Tigerair for four years, rebranding the airline, delivering a turnaround strategy and repositioning the business.
He started his transport career with Qantas Airways, working across strategy,
commercial and operational roles including responsibility for airline strategy and innovation, major transformational programs, technology developments, and global airport infrastructure and operations logistics.
Rob commenced his career with Price Waterhouse, specialising in Infrastructure
including construction and mining, and high technology. He was Operations Director for a successful start-up technology company, Hypertec Research, growing the business by 50% pa developing Australia’s largest technology exporter at the time.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Pete joined Airservices Australia in May 2019 as the Executive General Manager Air Navigation Services.
Prior to this, Pete worked at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) based in Geneva, Switzerland for 7 years. Pete was responsible for progressing airline interests associated with the European Union (EU) Single Market initiative; Single European Sky (SES). His role addressed institutional, regulatory and operational performance with a focus on the safety, environment, capacity and cost efficiency of air navigation services across 42 European States.
Pete has over 25 years of experience in the aviation industry starting as an air traffic controller in Sydney and Brisbane. He has held a range of leadership roles across corporate and regulatory affairs, strategy and planning, operational service delivery, major capital programs, change management and finance.
Pete has a Master of Business Administration from University of Queensland and completed the Graduate General Manager Program at the Australian Graduate School of Management.
Chief Airspace and Network Officer
Rochelle is an operational executive who is dedicated to safety, innovation, and customer-centric service delivery. Rochelle has over 25 years experience in public and private organisations in the transport and energy sectors. Rochelle has held several senior leadership roles, including at V/Line Corporation, Australia's largest regional public transport operator. During her tenure at V/Line, she served as the Executive Director Operations, where she was responsible for the safe and efficient operation of rail and coach passenger services, ensuring a reliable and customer-focused transport system. Rochelle has also held a number of senior leadership positions in customer, transformation, legal and corporate roles with a focus on organisational change and improving business efficiency. She holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and has completed the Advanced Management Program at Melbourne Business School. Rochelle is also passionate about diversity and inclusion and the benefits of mentoring.
Chief Aerodromes Officer
With over 18 years of experience in aviation spanning government, private sector, and consultancy roles, Michelle brings a diverse range of skills and expertise to the Airservices' Executive team.
Since joining Airservices in 2012, Michelle has played a crucial role in advancing safety-critical operations, regulatory compliance, and business transformation across the organisation.
She has held leadership positions in various functional areas, including safety, engineering compliance, and Service Standards. Michelle brings a strong focus to ensuring our service adheres to regulatory requirements, industry standards, and drives improvements within aviation.
Before her appointment as Chief Aerodromes Officer, Michelle held the roles of Head of Service Standards and previously, Head of PFAS Strategy & Delivery.
She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and Honours from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).
Chief Financial Officer
Craig Webster was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Airservices Australia in February 2025, bringing over 30 years of executive experience across finance, strategic planning, and operations in the transport and aviation sectors.
Craig joined Airservices from Transport for NSW, where he held several senior leadership roles, including Executive Director of Planning and Programs for Greater Sydney. In this role, he oversaw the strategic planning and delivery of programs supporting a $70 billion infrastructure pipeline, while leading a team of 380 staff. His responsibilities spanned transport network planning, asset management, and stakeholder engagement.
Craig has also held key positions across the public and private sectors, including Chief Financial Officer at the State Transit Authority of NSW, where he delivered significant operational efficiencies and financial improvements.
Craig began his career at British Airways where he spent almost 15 years in various finance and strategy roles. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Stirling and an MBA from Lancaster University.
Chief Customer and External Relations Officer
Prior to being appointed as Chief Customer and External Relations Officer, Paul was Head of Government Relations and International Engagement at Airservices.
He has over 20 years’ experience developing, implementing, and advising on public policy, stakeholder and media strategies, with a background in telecommunications competition policy, critical infrastructure and aviation. Paul has a strong working knowledge of Cabinet, budget, and intergovernmental processes having led and advised on many successful initiatives working for a cabinet minister, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the Attorney-General's Department.
Before joining Airservices, Paul worked at EY in a client-facing role. He advised C-suite executives and their organisations how to achieve greater efficiencies, enhancing the approach to risk and compliance, and increase their competitiveness. He has a Masters in Public Policy and a Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Leadership.
Chief People and Culture Officer
Heading up People and Culture for Airservices is human resources (HR) executive Danielle Mesa. Danielle was appointed to the role of Chief People and Culture Officer in October 2023. A people and performance-focused senior executive with 20-plus years of innovative leadership in the public and private sectors, Danielle brings to our organisation a wealth of international and domestic experience in people and culture leadership, business change, risk and governance, and cultural transformation.
Having worked across industries including defence, construction and infrastructure, energy and transport and logistics, Danielle has a proven record of successfully navigating organisational complexity in highly regulated sectors. Our new Culture and Diversity leader has an Advanced MBA (digital strategy) and a Master of Management in operations and logistics.
Chief Technology Enablement Officer
Mark has had a wide and varied career in the ICT industry over the last 25 years with experience in both the private and public sectors. His career has extended across a number of market sectors including Transport, Education and Manufacturing and has covered significant roles in technology strategy and transformation, infrastructure and operations, enterprise architecture, strategic sourcing, organisational change management, program management, and applications development.
Mark joined Airservices in 2016 as the Service Design and Delivery Manager, with accountabilities for the delivery of sustainable 24×7 operations of both mission critical and corporate ICT environments including infrastructure operations, telecommunication and network services, business systems, airways regulated systems, air traffic management regulated systems, technology testing and the delivery of ICT projects.
Prior to joining Airservices Mark spent 10 years with The Queensland government in a number of key roles including critical systems development and project management, ICT operations, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Chief Information Officer (CIO).
Chief Operating Officer
Vivienne King was appointed as Airservices Australia's Chief Operating Officer in August 2023. Having worked across the transport, education and infrastructure sectors in Australia and internationally, Vivienne King brings a wealth of senior management and operational leadership experience to Airservices.
Prior to her role as Chief Operating Officer with Airservices, Vivienne served as the CEO of a consortium, where she worked closely with Pacific Partners on major infrastructure Public-Private Partnership projects. She also has held the position of CEO for Box Hill Institute in Victoria and KDR Gold Coast, managing the operation and maintenance of the Gold Coast Light Rail.
Vivienne's international experience includes her tenure as President of the British Columbia Rapid Transit Company in North America. She also fulfilled the role of Group General Manager, Strategic & Service Development for RailCorp in Sydney, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the investment strategy, future design of rail networks and a substantial capital works program.
Throughout her career Vivienne has demonstrated a strong commitment to public policy, education, and transportation. She’s also served as a board member for several well-regarded organisations.
Chief Risk, Noise and Environment Officer
Jacqui joined Airservices Australia in February 2025 as the Chief Risk, Noise and Environment Officer.
Jacqui has over 30 years’ experience in risk management, legal, governance, compliance, safety and sustainability related roles. Prior to joining Airservices, Jacqui was Chief Risk Officer at The GPT Group, one of Australia’s largest listed property trusts, where she was accountable for the risk, safety, sustainability and internal audit functions.
With an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of safety and corporate governance, Jacqui’s focus is on delivering organisational resilience and sustainable growth.
In addition to her executive experience, Jacqui has served as a director on a number of Boards, both private and public.
Jacqui holds degrees in Commerce (Finance) and Law from the University of New South Wales and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
General Counsel and Board Secretariat
Dominic has held senior legal roles at leading multinational companies, including Speedcast International and British Telecommunications (BT), where he managed complex cross-border transactions, regulatory compliance, governance, and strategic legal operations. As General Counsel at Speedcast, he played a critical role in the company’s global expansion, overseeing major acquisitions and navigating the legal complexities of a global restructuring process. During his tenure at BT, Dominic led legal teams across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, spearheading high-value commercial and M&A transactions.
Dominic holds a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Arts from the Australian National University. He began his legal career at MinterEllison in Sydney before transitioning into technology-focused corporate legal roles.
Downloads
Corporate governance documents
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Apr to 30 Jun 2025
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2025
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Oct to 31 Dec 2024
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jul to 30 Sep 2024
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Apr to 30 Jun 2024
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2024
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Oct to 31 Dec 2023
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Apr to 31 Sep 2023
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2023
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Oct to 31 Dec 2022
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jul to 30 Sep 2022
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Apr to 30 Jun 2022
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2022
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Oct to 30 Dec 2021
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jul to 30 Sep 2021
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Apr to 30 Jun 2021
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jan to 31 Mar 2021
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Oct to 31 Dec 2020
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 1 Jul to 30 Sep 2020
- Register of Received Gifts and Benefits - 18 Oct to 30 Jun 2020
Work with us
Airservices is at the forefront of Australian aviation. We are uniquely connected to all parts of the industry and offer exciting and innovative work across a range of operational and corporate roles.
Career paths on offer at Airservices include
Air Traffic Control, Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting, information technology, corporate support and more.