12 Sep 2022

Christchurch Airport boss to take up Genesis chief executive role

12:54 pm on 12 September 2022
Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns.

Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns is to take up the role of chief executive at Genesis Energy. Photo: Supplied / Port Hills Productions Ltd

Genesis Energy has announced the head of Christchurch Airport as its new chief executive.

Malcolm Johns has been in the top job at the airport for nine years and would join Genesis in the middle of March.

During his tenure at the airport, it announced a major solar farm project and plans for a controversial new airport in the central Otago settlement of Tarras.

Genesis chief executive Marc England will leave next month, with chief customer officer Tracey Hickman to be interim chief executive until Johns steps in.

Genesis chair Barbara Chapman said the company settled on Johns after an "extensive global search".

"Malcolm brings experience in leading large organisations through transformational change, while delivering value for shareholders," she said.

"He has shown considerable leadership in sustainability, is committed to action on climate change and has a proven track record in decarbonising organisations."

Johns said he was excited to be joining the one of the country's most iconic companies.

"With its innovative retail business, diverse generation assets and strong culture, I am excited by the opportunity to contribute to its future success and for the business to continue to make a significant contribution to New Zealand's transition to a low carbon future."

Before working at Christchurch Airport, Johns was chief executive of InterCity Group and had held governance roles in several local companies in the transport and tourism sectors.

Christchurch Airport board chair Catherine Drayton said it would begin a process to find its next chief executive.