Lorie Argus
Chief Executive Officer, APAC
Lorie Argus was appointed CEO of Melbourne and Launceston Airport on July 1, 2022 after seven years as Chief of Aviation and Chief of Ground Transport.
With more than 30 years’ experience in aviation, she brings a “passenger first” focus to her role.
Lorie started her career in Canada before relocating to Australia and joining Virgin Australia. In her ten years at the airline, she was appointed Manager of International Airport Operations and General Manager of Ground Operations.
In 2017 Lorie graduated with an Executive MBA from Bond University. Lorie is an active member of Chief Executive Women and of the Australian Institute of Directors and became a Graduate of AICD (GAICD) in 2019. Lorie is also a Non-Executive Director of the Australian Airports Association, Airports Council International and Launceston Airport.
Ruth Martin
Chief Financial Officer
Ms Martin joined APAC in October 2023. She is a strategic and highly commercial Group CFO with proven performance across a diverse range of industries including health, agriculture, technology, diversified property, and infrastructure including airports. Ruth was most recently the Group CFO for St Vincent’s Health Australia where she played a critical leadership role in the organisation through the financial challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ruth's previous experience includes CFO roles at Ruralco Holdings Ltd, Microsoft Australia, and at Sydney Airport Corporation during a period of complex corporatisation/privatisation, financing and major projects. She is a Chartered Accountant and spent the first part of her career as a Principal with Ernst & Young.
Claire Storey
Melbourne Airport is pleased to announce the appointment of Claire Storey as Executive General Manager, People & Culture, commencing February 2024.
Claire has been at the forefront of delivering innovative HR programs across Australia, the UK and Asia, with a dedicated emphasis on people, culture and talent management. She has lead teams within large multinational organisations and since 2007 has served as the Managing Director/Head of Human Resources at Morgan Stanley, based in Hong Kong. Claire has demonstrated skill for breaking down complexity and providing practical, sustainable solutions. Her passion for coaching managers, leading teams, attracting and developing talent is perfectly aligned to APAC’s commitment to fostering positive employee experiences and a strong company culture.
Jim Parashos
Chief of Aviation
Mr Parashos joined Melbourne Airport as General Manager International Recovery in January 2022 and has recently stepped into his new role as Chief of Aviation. Jim brings over 25 years of experience in the airports and tourism sectors. Prior to joining Melbourne Airport he was Executive General Manager Aviation at Brisbane Airport Corporation, responsible for Operations, Aviation Development and Aeronautical Commercial. He joined BAC in February 2017 as Head of Aviation Business Development, until appointed EGM Aviation Development and Partnerships in March 2019.Jim holds an MBA in Aviation (RMIT), Business degree in Tourism and International Trade and is a Graduate of AICD (GAICD).
Jai McDermott
Chief Ground Transport, Property & Retail
Mr McDermott joined APAC in 2017 and was appointed Chief of Ground Transport in January 2020 and was appointed Chief Ground Transport, Property & Retail in July 2023. He has more than 20 years’ experience in corporate and public affairs, regulatory and reputation issues across a range of industry sectors including aviation, energy and resources.
Matt Stirling
Executive General Manager of Engineering & Asset Management
Mr Stirling joined APAC in October 2014. He is responsible for Engineering and Compliance, Asset Management, Energy and Embedded Network Operations, and Utilities and lifecycle Capital Portfolio at Melbourne Airport. Matt has over 18 years’ experience in leadership roles spanning Civil Infrastructure, Operations, Procurement, Commercial and Finance across Civil, Aviation, Ports, and Rail sectors and has extensive experience working with major infrastructure players such as John Holland Group and Fulton Hogan.
Justin Portelli
Executive General Manager of Strategy, Planning and Community
Mr Portelli joined Melbourne Airport in 2019. He leads a team who identify future opportunities and respond to emerging disrupters. Justin’s background is in strategy development including creation of market response and growth strategies as well as investment analysis and execution. Prior to joining Melbourne Airport, Justin served as GM Corporate Investments at Australia Post responsible for approval and execution of all capital and investment activity inclusive of Corporate Development, Corporate Finance, Capital Budgeting, Reporting & Portfolio Management. Prior to Australia Post Justin was a Director, Advisory Consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Shane O'Hare
Chief Executive Officer - Launceston Airport
Shane O’Hare is a highly experienced and accomplished global aviation sector and marketing leader. He has an extensive mix of experience in aviation management, global brand, global marketing, commercial and operational roles to CEO level. He held a range of senior executive positions in the UAE, Bahrain, Europe, New Zealand, USA and Australia.