The board of Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) has announced the appointment of Roger Gray as the Port’s new chief executive.
Gray is group general manager airports at Air New Zealand. In this role he manages all ground handling and lounge operations at 55 airports around the globe, covering 2,700 staff who handle 18 million passengers annually. Prior to this, Gray was group general manager business performance at Air New Zealand.
Gray will take over from LPC’s outgoing chief executive Peter Davie in the New Year.
Chair Margaret Devlin said Roger would bring 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. We’re delighted to have secured someone of his calibre,” Devlin said.
“We’re looking forward to Roger joining us at the end of the year.”
Transforming the South Island’s trade gateway
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,” Gray said.
“The Port’s rebuild has really set it up to cement its place as the South Island’s international trade gateway. I’m looking forward to being part of that story heading into the future.
“My wife Caroline and I are also excited to move to Christchurch from Auckland in the next few months. We know we’re lucky to be joining the wonderful Canterbury community.”
International experience
Before joining Air New Zealand in 2013, Roger 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.
Gray has worked as a logistician at the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic 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.
Gray won a Prime Minister’s Business Scholarship in 2017 which enabled him to complete an Advanced Management Programme at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France in 2018.
He was a finalist for Health and Safety Leader of the Year in 2018.
Lyttelton Port Company is one of the five partners providing leadership and support for Whaka-Ora Healthy Harbour.
