Sydney Airport Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather won two prestigious awards last night at separate major industry events.

Ms Mather was presented with the Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA) at the National Infrastructure Awards convened in Sydney.

She was also awarded the coveted Chairman’s Award at the Aviation/Aerospace Australia (A/AA) Awards in Melbourne.

“Working in the infrastructure and aviation sector for the past 20 years has been both inspiring and challenging,” Ms Mather said.

“Embracing customer expectations and needs, evolving with technological change, planning and delivering the infrastructure to support aviation growth in Australia, and the unending talent, creativity and enthusiasm of the people I work with has made each day a pleasure.

“I feel very privileged to receive these awards and I’d like to thank Sydney Airport’s Board, leadership team, staff and our many and valued government, industry, business, tourism and community partners for their ongoing commitment and support.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the fantastic advocacy work of my colleagues at both IPA and A/AA, which benefits the industry as a whole.”

IPA Chief Executive Brendan Lyon congratulated Ms Mather on her contribution to the infrastructure sector.

“Kerrie Mather is the infrastructure sector’s ‘Woman of the Year’ because of her lifetime of outstanding service, leadership and achievement,” Mr Lyon said.

“As the most senior female CEO in the ASX Top 50 and head of Sydney Airport, Kerrie leads a multibillion dollar operation that contributes to the national economy, generates jobs and impacts upon Australia’s logistics, tourism, aviation and infrastructure sectors.”

The A/AA honoured Ms Mather at a gala ceremony marking its annual awards.

“Sydney Airport continues to be Australia’s prime international airport, which is testimony to Kerrie’s stewardship as Managing Director and CEO,” A/AA Chief Executive Ken McLean said.

“Kerrie has played a key role in growing tourism, adapting to changes in the dynamic aviation industry and improving the customer experience at Sydney Airport.”

Since becoming CEO of Sydney Airport in 2011, Ms Mather has focused on:

• Growing aviation and tourism for the benefit of Sydney, NSW and Australia;
• Investing to improve airport infrastructure and services;
• Enhancing the customer experience for airline partners and passengers;
• Building relationships with government and stakeholders, including a $500 million joint investment with the NSW Government to upgrade roads to make it quicker and easier to get to and from the airport;
• Strengthening Sydney Airport’s community engagement program, contributing $2.6 million to the community in 2015; and
• Delivering strong returns to investors.

The IPA Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award acknowledges the substantial contribution and leadership of senior women in the infrastructure sector, while the A/AA Chairman’s Award recognises senior leadership in the aviation and aerospace sectors.

ABOUT KERRIE MATHER

Kerrie Mather became Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Sydney Airport in July 2011.

Kerrie is also a Director on the world governing board of Airports Council International, Vice Chairman of the Tourism and Transport Forum, the peak body for tourism and transport advocacy in Australia, a Director of the Advisory Council of the University of NSW Australian School of Business, and a member of Chief Executive Women.

From 2002, Kerrie has been the Chief Executive Officer of ASX listed Sydney Airport which previously included MAp Airports Limited, one of the largest global owners and operators of airports.

Kerrie held positions on the boards of Brussels, Copenhagen and Rome Airports in Europe, and Bristol and Birmingham Airports in the UK. Kerrie led the acquisitions of these airports, together with other airports in Japan and Mexico.

Prior to that, Kerrie was an Executive Director with Macquarie Group where she worked for 15 years, largely in infrastructure financing and advisory roles.

Kerrie has a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Commerce from University of New South Wales.

She is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and is a Fellow of FINSEA.