Auckland Airport has appointed Darren Evans as Chief Safety & Risk Officer, a newly created executive leadership position focused on the identification, management and assurance of the organisation's safety and risk management. Mr. Evans brings 30 years safety and risk management experience across multiple industries, including aviation and construction, most recently at Air New Zealand. Auckland Airport Chief Executive, Carrie Hurihanganui, said the establishment of a Chief Safety and Risk Officer reflected the importance the company placed on managing the risks of undertaking major construction projects amid the post-pandemic return of aircraft and passengers.

Mr. Evans joins Auckland Airport on 13 November from Air New Zealand where he is General Manager People Safety & Aviation Medicine, a senior leadership role responsible for setting and delivering the health, safety, wellbeing and medical strategy for the company. Prior to Air New Zealand Mr. Evans led health and safety strategies and accountability at multinational engineering, design and construction companies, and within the utilities, infrastructure and financial services sectors.