Star Entertainment chairman John O’Neill to chair Gold Coast-based Queensland Airports Ltd

The high-profile chairman of a key ASX-listed company has been given another high-profile job as chair of Queensland Airports Ltd, the company which oversees Gold Coast, Townsville, Longreach and Mount Isa airports.

Gold Coast Airport has completed a $16 million apron realignment. Photo: Supplied

STAR Entertainment Group chairman John O’Neill has been named chairman of Queensland Airports Ltd, the company which oversees Gold Coast, Townsville, Longreach and Mount Isa airports.

Mr O’Neill will replace Nigel Chamier, one-time Gold Coast Commonwealth Games chairman, who has been filling in since the departure of Seven Group director Annabelle Chaplain in December.

QAL said Mr O’Neill had been chosen for the high-profile role after a national search.

A $50m Rydges Hotel is under construction at Gold Coast Airport.

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“A significant terminal expansion is now being delivered on the Gold Coast, and project plans are being reviewed for Townsville Airport,” Mr O’Neill said.

“These major projects are focused on addressing capacity issues, preparing for future growth and improving the customer experience.

“The first airport hotel is also well under way on the Gold Coast, which is an important milestone in the development of the precinct and will boost accommodation at the southern end of the city.

“About 8.5 million people are welcomed through QAL’s four airports into destinations across Queensland and northern NSW each year.

“These airports are the gateways to the destinations and their success is critical to the tourism industry.”

John O'Neill is chairman of the Star Entertainment Group and Queensland Airports Ltd.

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Mr O’Neill has been Chairman of The Star Entertainment Group since 2012.

From 1987 until 2012, Mr O’Neill held chief executive roles at The State Bank of NSW, The Australian Rugby Union and The Football Federation of Australia. He has also been a non-executive Director on other public company boards, including Tabcorp Limited.

Annabelle Chaplain.

Nigel Chamier

QAL CEO Chris Mills welcomed Mr O’Neill’s appointment, saying the new Chairman was coming on board during an exciting and critical time for the company.

“I’m looking forward to working with John as we enhance the passenger experience and create more connections to our airports over the coming years,” he said.

“John’s knowledge and experience means QAL will remain in good hands as we deliver our major capital projects.”

Mr Chamier, who was replaced by Peter Beattie as Games chairman after Labor won the 2016 State Election, has been on the QAL board since 2014, but will step down on June 30.