Auckland Airport has announced its Chief Executive Adrian Littlewood will step down before the end of the year after nearly nine years in the role.
In a statement to NZX, the airport's chair Patrick Strange said Littlewood has made an exceptional contribution to the business during a period of tremendous change.
"From his appointment as Chief Executive in 2012 up to the emergence of COVID-19 early last year, Adrian has led the organisation through a period of significant growth and development across all areas of the business while delivering strong shareholder returns," Strange said.
"Over the past year, Adrian has shown his considerable leadership skills through some of the most challenging times the business has ever faced.
"With the sudden and highly disruptive impact of COVID-19 on the company's core business, Adrian has led a business response that has not only ensured the health, safety and wellbeing of Auckland Airport staff and travellers, but has also ensured the business is well placed for the future."
After finishing at Auckland Airport, Littlewood plans to take an extended break before making any decisions about his future.
The airport's board said it will start looking for a replacement for Littlewood, with both internal and external candidates considered for the role.
