Queensland Airports Ltd chairwoman Annabelle Chaplain to step down in February

The former chairman of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will step into a top job at Gold Coast Airport after the departure of a long-serving board member.

An aerial view of the Gold Coast Airport at Bilinga which is gearing up for the Commonwealth Games.

FORMER Gold Coast Commonwealth Games chairman Nigel Chamier will step in as chair of Queensland Airports Ltd after Annabelle Chaplain announced her imminent departure from the airport operator.

Ms Chaplain, who was appointed chair in January 2014, will step down at the end of February after leading the board which oversees the airports of Gold Coast, Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach.

Outgoing QAL chairwoman Annabelle Chaplain. Picture: Scott Fletcher

More than 8.5 million passengers travelled through the four terminals last year.

“Last year was another record-breaking year for the business, with passenger records set at Gold Coast and Townsville airports,” she said.

“This growth is set to continue into the future and the planning has been done to ensure QAL can accommodate it.”

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Nigel Chamier. Picture: Mike Batterham

Mr Chamier, who was replaced by Peter Beattie as Games chairman after Labor won the 2016 State Election, will act as interim chairman while the company searches for a new permanent chair. He has been on the QAL board since 2014.

Ms Chaplain, who is a director of Seven Group, The Australian Ballet, Export Finance and Insurance Corporation and chairwoman of Canstar, said it had been a privilege to lead the QAL board for five years.

“There is no doubt that QAL is heading down an exciting path and I am pleased to have been able to play a part in directing that journey,” she said.

“Next year will be another busy one for the Company, as QAL moves into the delivery phase for several important projects.

“With planning completed, now is the right time for me to step aside for the new chairman.”