LYTTELTON Port Company has announced the appointment of Roger Gray as its new chief executive.

Mr Gray is group general manager airports at Air New Zealand and in this role he manages all ground handling and lounge operations at 55 airports.

Previously he was group general manager business performance at Air New Zealand.

He is to take over from LPC’s outgoing CE Peter Davie.

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Chair Margaret Devlin said Mr Gray had significant expertise and knowledge in logistics, procurement, leadership and operations on both sides of the Tasman.

“His extensive experience running complex business units with large numbers of operational staff is a real asset, not just for the port, but for the whole Canterbury region,” Ms Devlin said.

“We’re delighted to have secured someone of his calibre. We’re looking forward to Roger joining us at the end of the year.”

Mr Gray said he was eager to take on the challenge of running New Zealand’s third largest port.

“I’m honoured LPC’s chair and board have entrusted me with the role of chief executive. It will be tough following Peter Davie. He’s had 16 very successful years at the helm, and I’m looking forward to working with the team at LPC to take the port to the next stage.”

Before joining Air New Zealand in 2013, Roger Gray was managing director – Australia for the Blue Star Print Group.

He has also held several senior leadership roles with Goodman Fielder, including managing director of Quality Bakers – New Zealand and Supply Chain Director for Goodman Fielder Baking – Australia.

Roger Gray has worked as a logistician at the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympics Games, and was also an officer in the Australian Army. He holds an MBA, a Masters of Business in Integrated Logistics Management, as well as Bachelor Degrees in Economics and Arts.