Auckland Airport execs leave after pay review

In its latest annual report from Auckland International Airport it was revealed the number of staff in the $1m plus bracket had moved from two to five. Photo / Greg Bowker

Two of Auckland Airport's highest ranking executives are leaving the company after a strategic review, which included pay levels.

Chief financial officer, Simon Robertson, and general manager of corporate affairs Charles Spillane will leave the company, said chief executive Adrian Littlewood.

In its latest annual report it was revealed the number of staff in the $1 million plus bracket had moved from two to five at the airport. Although they are not named in pay figures, Robertson and Spillane are among the company's top executives.

Outgoing chief financial officer Simon Robertson.

Littlewood said they were departing after a review of the company's "direction and strategy, including executive remuneration."

He said the pair had given many years of valuable service.

"I want to thank both Simon and Charles for their significant contributions to the company and to New Zealand travel, trade and tourism. I also want to
wish them all the very best for the future."

Spillane joined the company in 2002 and Robertson joined in 2005, becoming CFO in 2009. Robertson was acting CEO in the period between the departure of former chief executive Simon Moutter.

A statement from the company has no information on what the departing executives will be doing next and the company had no further comment this morning.

Phil Neutze has been appointed acting chief financial officer, Justine Hollows acting company secretary and Anna Cassels-Brown to be our acting general manager of corporate affairs.

Outgoing general manager of corporate affairs Charles Spillane

When questioned by the Herald about pay after last year's annual meeting chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden said the increase in the $1 million-plus remuneration reflected long-term incentives being paid in the 2013-14 financial year and strong performance from staff.

"We think we've got very good alignment between remuneration and return to the shareholders. If they perform and value's being created we don't mind paying a reward," he said.