We are delighted to announce the appointments to our three vacant director posts.
Andrew Farquhar has been appointed Director of Airport Operations and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in airport operations and management to the role. Andrew joined HIAL in 2008 initially as a Firefighter at Sumburgh Airport, progressing through the ranks to become Watch Manager in the Airport Fire Service. In 2016, he became Assistant Airport Services Manager, and later Airport Operations Manager before holding the role of Airport Manager. In 2019 he became General Manager at Sumburgh Airport, responsible for overall operational management including safety, compliance and finance, successfully delivering a number of key projects.
Andrew takes over from George Farquhar who retired as Director of Operations earlier in June. George was Chief Fire Officer for HIAL before moving to the role of Director of Operations in 2019.
Karen Fraser will take up post as the Director of Operational Support on an interim basis. Karen has over 30 years of experience with HIAL and has held several key roles during her time with the organisation. Karen has been responsible for supporting Air Traffic Services, Fire and Aviation Security compliance for the past six years. Karen brings a comprehensive understanding of the organisation's entire value chain, from front-line processes to strategic objectives to this new role and will have a strong focus on streamlining workflows and implementing HIAL’s objectives to introduce revised operating models.
Gary Cooper will join HIAL as Director of Safety and Compliance with over 25 years of experience in safety, environment, assurance, risk, and compliance. His most recent position was Director of Safety, Health, Environment, Quality and Security for Babcock International based at His Majesty's Naval Base Clyde where he directed safety, health, and environmental initiatives, and implemented effective improvement strategies, all of which were underpinned by human factors hazard mitigation and risk management. Gary has previously worked in the aviation and offshore energy sectors. He has a Master’s Diploma in Safety Management and is a Member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
All three directors are key appointments to support Darren MacLeod, HIAL’s Chief Operating Officer to continue to deliver a safe and regulatory compliant regional airport group.