New Leadership for Newcastle Airport Boards as Council Appoints New Directors

26 February 2025

newy.com.au – City of Newcastle have announced the appointment of Liberal Deputy Lord Mayor Callum Pull to the Boards of the Newcastle Airport, marking a significant leadership transition for the key regional asset.

The Council also confirmed the reappointment of City of Newcastle CEO Jeremy Bath, who has served on the Airport Boards since 2017. The changes come after former Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes signalled her resignation from her director role in October 2024, which paved the way for new appointments.

Last year, City of Newcastle staff initially recommended that Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge take on the role of ‘Nominee Director’ for the Airport Boards. However, Cr Kerridge declared a significant conflict of interest due to his son’s executive role at Qantas, prompting the Council to implement a merit-based selection process for board representation.

As a result, Councillors Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk and Jenny Barrie have been appointed to Airport-related trustee companies known as Newcastle Airport Companies 1 and 2, which hold the Council’s 50 per cent share in the Airport.

Deputy Lord Mayor Pull was pleased in the council’s confidence in his leadership, he highlighted the Airport’s crucial role in driving economic growth.

“The Airport is a key driver for economic growth, not just for Newcastle but for the entire Hunter region,” Cr Pull said. “With the international terminal nearing completion and increased investment in the defence sector, I’m stepping into this role at a transformative time.”

Pull said he is committed to improving services for travellers and the business community while ensuring strong returns for ratepayers.

Councillor Barrie also recognised Newcastle Airport as a regional powerhouse with vast economic potential.

“I remember when Newcastle Airport was little more than a tin shed with limited flights. Now, it services 11 destinations and will soon welcome international flights,” Cr Barrie said. “International visitors spend close to $200 per day in our city, money that directly benefits our cafes, restaurants, and hotels.”

Councillor Adamczyk also welcomed her appointment, talking about the Airport’s expanding global role and its impact on employment.

“Securing international flights will open up new opportunities for trade, education, and tourism, generating over 700 new jobs for our community,” she said. “In addition, the Airport is advocating for a Regional International Air Cargo Facility, which could create another 100 jobs and inject $6.5 billion annually into our regional economy.”

Environmental sustainability is also a focus for the Airport, which is one of only two in Australia to achieve Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation. Cr Adamczyk committed to maintaining the Airport’s leadership in sustainable practices.

City of Newcastle Executive Director City Infrastructure, Clint Thomson, also joins the Board, bringing extensive experience from Hunter Water Corporation and the Australian Defence Force.

Reflecting on the Airport’s rapid growth, CEO Jeremy Bath spoke about the importance of the next decade.

“When I first joined the Board in 2017, Newcastle Airport was valued at $103 million. Today, it’s worth over $430 million, and with ongoing developments, it’s set to exceed half a billion dollars,” Mr Bath said.

The appointments mark a new chapter for Newcastle Airport, as the region prepares for a more globally connected future.