A former Optus CEO has been appointed chairman of the government company established to deliver Western Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek.
The federal government has announced this afternoon that Western Sydney Airport (WSA) Co Ltd will be chaired by Mr Paul O’Sullivan.
A statement issued by urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher and the finance minister Mathias Cormann confirmed the incorporation of WSA Co Ltd and the appointment of Mr O’Sullivan.
“This is the next significant step in the government’s priority to deliver a second airport for Sydney,’’ the ministers said.
With an investment of up to $5.3 billion in equity, WSA Co Ltd will operate as a Commonwealth company, prescribed as a Government Business Enterprise.
Mr O’Sullivan is the current chair and former chief executive of Optus.
“Mr O’Sullivan’s business leadership expertise makes him highly credentialed to lead the company delivering Western Sydney Airport,’’ the ministers said in the joint media statement.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“His deep experience leading an infrastructure business as it established market share against a long established incumbent will be of great value as Western Sydney Airport is planned and constructed before commencing operations by 2026.’’[/social_quote]
Mr O’Sullivan will be joined by Mrs Fiona Balfour, Mr Tim Eddy and Ms Christine Spring as directors of WSA Co.
Mrs Balfour has more than 35 years’ experience across a range of industries.
She is a long-serving airline executive and is currently a member of the Airservices Australia board.
Mr Eddy has more than 30 years’ experience in professional services with a focus on commercial transactions, most recently as managing partner operations in Oceania at Ernst & Young.
Ms Spring is an expert in aviation infrastructure and airport operations, as well as a civil engineer with approximately 20 years’ experience.
She has a focus on planning and construction of significant capital development projects in the aviation industry.
The board’s early priorities will be to recruit its CEO and senior management and to commence procurement of construction activities.
“To complement the experience of the directors announced today, the government expects to appoint further directors in coming months, with a further focus on construction expertise and experience in Western Sydney,’’ the ministers said.
