2020 CEO Survey: Geoff Culbert, Sydney Airport

The worst times bring out the best in your people, says Sydney Airport chief executive Geoff Culbert.

What are the three enduring lessons or changes to flow from COVID-19?

The way businesses plan for infrequent but devastating events will take on a new meaning post-COVID-19. I think everyone underestimated the impact of COVID-19 and future risk planning will need to take into account bigger and deeper impacts of known risks.

When the next pandemic hits the global community will need to work together better and act faster to reduce the impact for all.

The worst times bring out the best in your people. The commitment and selflessness we have seen to keep the lights on at the airport, both from our team and all the government agencies and businesses that call the airport home, has made us incredibly proud.

How would you rate the shape of the Australian economy as we head into the new year?

The economy is out of the ICU and on the ward. We are on track to parlay the world’s best health-response into the best economic recovery.

What three reforms are needed to sustainably grow the economy?

Any reforms that will reduce red tape and make us more globally competitive will enable us to capture the advantage we have created from our world leading response to COVID-19.

What are the three best growth opportunities for your company in 2021?

Passenger traffic at the airport has been down 97 per cent for most of this year, so right now everything looks like a growth opportunity. Number one would be a widespread rollout of a vaccine. Short of the vaccine, getting two-way travel bubbles to markets who have managed COVID-19 well and using testing technology to reduce hotel quarantine will have a big impact.

What impact will digital transformation have on your company?

While Zoom has been critical for keeping people together this year, I don’t think it will materially change the need or desire for people to get on planes. It’s an obvious statement from an airport CEO, but I genuinely believe nothing beats face-to-face contact and we’re already seeing it with people jumping on planes to see family, friends, employees, customers and suppliers as soon as they get the chance.

How would you rate business, state and federal government performance this year?

The federal and NSW governments provided a global masterclass in responding to COVID-19. I am very grateful that we are based in NSW, and in Australia, when I look at how we have successfully managed the health response while keeping the economy open.