Launceston Airport has announced the appointment of Katie Cooper as its incoming CEO.
Cooper will step into the role on August 11, taking over from outgoing CEO Shane O’Hare, who is set to finish up on August 19 after four years at the helm.
Cooper has spent the past five years at Metro Tasmania as CEO, and previously spent nearly five years at Melbourne Airport, where she started in 2015 as head of aviation operations and later became head of transformation. In that role, she led the integration of Qantas Terminal 1 into the airport’s broader operations.
Her career also includes senior positions across the aviation industry, such as general manager of Alice Springs and Tennant Creek Airports, head of security at London Stansted Airport, and executive roles with Air New Zealand and the Australian Airports Association.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus welcomed the announcement, highlighting Cooper’s breadth of experience.
“Katie brings a wealth of experience across both aviation and transport sectors and is deeply familiar with the strategic and operational needs of an airport environment,” Argus says.
“With Launceston Airport continuing to experience record growth, Katie’s demonstrated leadership in infrastructure delivery, commercial negotiation and stakeholder engagement will be critical as we continue to expand and improve our offering for northern Tasmania.
“I’d like to thank Shane O’Hare for his tireless work as Launceston Airport CEO for the last four years. Shane’s stewardship during an incredibly challenging time in aviation has set the airport up well for future success.”
Cooper says she is looking forward to reconnecting with the airport industry and contributing to Tasmania’s connectivity.
“Launceston Airport plays an essential role in connecting Tasmanians with the mainland and beyond, and I’m honoured to be leading the next phase of its development,” she says.
“I look forward to working with the team, the board, our airline and business partners, and the broader community to continue delivering for Tasmania’s north.”
Launceston Airport CEO Shane O’Hare says he is proud to be handing over the reins to Ms Cooper, with the airport positioned for long-term success.
“It’s been a privilege to lead this amazing team and this incredible airport for the past four years and I’m confident I’m leaving it in very good hands,” he says.
“To play a part in transitioning the airport out of Covid recovery and into growth has been one of the biggest accomplishments of my professional career.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Launceston Airport for their support, and I look forward to cheering on the success of the airport from across the ditch.”
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