As a senior executive of more than 30 years across aviation, construction, real estate, freight, tourism, healthcare and retail, Simon Hickey arrives at the challenge of leading one of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects with tested and proven experience.

Bringing together customer experience and data analytics to drive strategies based on human and data centric insights, Simon’s leadership transformed Qantas’ loyalty program from its origins of 20 people in direct marketing to a separate, independent business that is now valued at over $3 billion.

As chief executive of Qantas International and Freight, Simon led the return to profitability of this global employer of almost 9,000, establishing new network alliances, improving aircraft utilisation and increasing customer advocacy for the flagship Australian brand.

Simon was drawn to the proposition of leading Western Sydney Airport because of the project’s unique opportunity to improve outcomes for passengers, airlines and air cargo operators, while representing a once-in-a-generation opportunity to drive meaningful socioeconomic change in Western Sydney and in doing so, improve quality of life for the people who call the region home.

A dynamic professional with more than 25 years of experience in the Aviation business (Airport & Airline) and Strategy including Commercial, Marketing & Brand enhancement, Business development, Air Service Development, Operational, Regulatory, Competitor and an overall industry perspective.