Advocates for Aviation Growth Committee

Edward has more than 15 years of experience in public affairs and stakeholder engagement. He has worked in government, financial services and the transport sector and is passionate about public policy. He is a former rugby union referee and is currently a Director at the Blackwood Foundation, a private ancillary fund that invests in education and mental health programs.

Leanne is the Melbourne Aerodrome and Airspace Services Head. This role is responsible for the delivery of both Air Traffic Control and Aviation Fire Fighter services at Melbourne Aerodrome. Leanne is also responsible for the Melbourne Air Traffic Services Centre which provides air traffic control services to the southern half of Australian airspace. Leanne has 30 years experience in the aviation industry, commencing with Airservices Australia in 1995 as an air traffic controller. She worked on enroute air traffic sectors, both surveillance and non-surveillance, for approximately 17 years, prior to moving into numerous leadership positions. Operational leadership roles have included Shift Manager, Operations Manager and Air Traffic Management Director. These roles all incorporating Leanne’s extensive operational experience with tactical day of operations network management. Leanne has a strong focus on operational safety and service delivery to our customer. Leanne has been an active member of the Women at Airservices Network, striving to enhance diversity and inclusion for the organisation.

Detective Acting Inspector Emily Nicholson is the Inspector Aviation at Melbourne Airport. In her role, Emily leads teams responsible for a broad range of Aviation security functions including prevention, disruption and response operations for the AFP. Emily works very closely with all Aviation partners to establish highly effective working relationships prioritising the safety of the travelling public through Melbourne Airport. Throughout Emily’s 25 years with the AFP, she has worked in a diverse range of roles including homicide, child abuse investigations, proceeds of crime investigations and online child exploitation. Emily enthusiastically looks to build partnerships to ensure that the AFP is in the best position to keeping Australia and Australians safe.

Audrey Speziale is the proud new General Manager of SkyBus Melbourne, leading one of Victoria’s most recognisable transport brands.   SkyBus delivers flagship express services between Melbourne Airport, Avalon Airport, and the CBD, as well as vital links to the eastern, western, and bayside suburbs. Serving millions of passengers each year, SkyBus plays a crucial role in supporting Victoria’s aviation and tourism sectors, with Audrey driving its next phase of growth, reliability, and customer excellence. Audrey brings proven leadership from major global and national organisations. At BP, she oversaw operations across 18 retail sites in Victoria, and at ALDI Stores Australia, she led multiple sites and 150+ employees while contributing to national committees on customer experience, merchandising, and professional development.

Nick Henderson is a seasoned hospitality executive with over 30 years of experience across the United Kingdom and Australia. He currently serves as the General Manager at the Holiday Inn Melbourne Airport, where he has been since the beginning of 2020. Nick has been with InterContinental Hotels Group for over 14 years, and prior to his current position, he was at Holiday Inn Cairns and Holiday Inn Townsville. Nick is dedicated to creating an empowering workplace environment that celebrates and motivates team members, and he values collaboration with external stakeholders, focusing on building strong relationships and finding shared benefits.

Sevtap Elkersh is the General Manager at SkyPark Airport Parking. With over 16 years’ experience in the transport industry, Sevtap been able to implement strategic initiatives to improve operations, drive growth and meet customer expectations. Sevtap is a highly motivated individual with a passion for excellence, ensuring industry standards are never compromised. In 2023, as part of her role as General Manager, she completed a submission for the Victorian Tourism awards, demonstrating SkyPark’s dedication to customer excellence. SkyPark was recognised by being awarded silver in its category.

Amelia Wilson is the Head of Brand and Strategic Marketing at Programmed with over 20 years’ experience within Marketing and creative roles across South Africa, UK, UAE, and Australia. In her role at Programmed, Amelia leads the organisation's brand, marketing, communications, digital and marketing operations functions across Australia and New Zealand. She is responsible for developing and delivering enterprise marketing strategies that strengthen brand reputation, support growth objectives and drive customer engagement, as well as providing guidance and governance over divisional marketing requirements to ensure ongoing business growth. Amelia has extensive experience leading marketing transformation, digital growth initiatives and strategic communications programs, with a strong focus on aligning marketing performance to business outcomes.

Chris Carroll is a highly respected McDonald’s Licensee with more than 30 years of experience, currently owning and operating 16 McDonald’s restaurants across Victoria, including three within the Melbourne Airport retail precinct. Throughout his career, Chris has been a dedicated contributor to the McDonald’s system, serving on numerous State and National leadership teams. He currently holds the position of Chair of the McDonald’s Australia National Licensee Council, where he works collaboratively with fellow licensees from across the country and the McDonald’s Australia leadership team to help shape the future of the business. Passionate about people, Chris believes that great businesses are built through strong relationships, developing talent, and creating opportunities for mutual growth. His leadership philosophy centres on empowering others, fostering a culture of collaboration, and helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.

James Miles has been with URBNSURF since 2019, playing a pivotal role in the commercialisation of URBNSURF and positioning the brand as a global leader in the space. With nearly two decades of experience across surf, media, fashion, travel, and tech, James is a recognised authority in surf park commercialisation. James regularly contributes to industry thought leadership and has spoken at key events including Surf Park Summit in San Diego and SXSW Sydney. He also pioneered the first-ever WSL Qualifying Series event in a surf park—the 2024 BYD Pro, a made-for-TV spectacle streamed live on the Seven Network.

Luke Vercoe is an Inspector with the Australian Border Force, currently posted to Melbourne Airport. Luke spent the first 8 years of his career with the ABF as an officer working at Melbourne Airport from 2008 through to 2016. After some time away from the airport in other roles for the ABF and Department of Home Affairs, Luke returned in April 2023 and now works as a lead for Facilities and Project Management for ABF Melbourne Airport. Luke acts as an interface with Melbourne Airport to the ABF on the various projects affecting international travel.

Rob Godino, General Manager – Lotte Melbourne Airport, is a highly motivated, results driven and hands on leader with 27 years’ experience at Melbourne Airport in Retail and Hospitality. Rob has experience managing operations across most Airports within Australia, which has afforded a deep understanding of airport infrastructure, store design and product evolution. Working with the Melbourne Airport team, Rob and his team have created immersive experiences built on excellent customer service and exceptional product offers. Rob's never-ending obsession is the quest to consistently reinvigorate and reinvent, to continue offering personalised experiences.

Paul is the General Manager, Projects & Fire at Airmaster. Paul has an Electrical and Air-conditioning trade background and has been with Airmaster for the last 18 years. During his time at Airmaster, Paul has established a strong track record in the successful delivery of complex mechanical and HVAC projects across a diverse range of industries. In recent years, Paul has transitioned into senior management, focusing on building and mentoring high-performing teams, expanding Airmaster's project capabilities nationally, and driving sustainable growth while maintaining a commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Arvin is a senior aviation leader at dnata, a leading global air services provider with a strong presence in the Australian aviation landscape.  As the General Manager, Arvin leads end-to-end ground handling services at Melbourne Airport, including ramp, lounges, load control, baggage, and passenger services, supporting a broad portfolio of domestic and international airline clients.  With more than 15 years of leadership experience, Arvin’s career has been defined by commercial growth, operational transformation, and improving customer and employee experience at scale. Arvin is a passionate advocate for the airport precinct's growth, and the opportunities they create for the community and workforce.