Lorie Argus
Chief Executive Officer, APAC
Lorie Argus was appointed CEO of Australia Pacific Airports Corporation (APAC), which manages and operates Melbourne and Launceston Airports on July 1, 2022 after seven years as Chief of Aviation and Chief of Ground Transport at Melbourne Airport.
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 a Non-Executive Director of the Australian Airports Association, sits on the World Governing Board of ACI World Board of Airports Council International, is a member of the Melbourne 3000 Board and Chairs Australia Pacific Airports (Launceston).
Ruth Martin
Chief Financial Officer
Ruth Martin joined APAC in October 2023.
Ruth 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
Executive General Manager, People & Culture
Claire Storey joined Melbourne Airport in 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
Jim Parashos joined Melbourne Airport as General Manager International Recovery in January 2022 and stepped into his new role as Chief of Aviation in 2023.
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. Jim 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
Jai 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.
Jai 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, Planning, Environment & Infrastructure
Matt Stirling joined APAC in October 2014.
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
Chief of Staff, Office of the CEO
Justin Portelli joined Melbourne Airport in 2019.
Justin leads the Office of the CEO, guiding a team responsible for identifying future business opportunities, sharpening organisational priorities and ensuring the airport’s brand speaks with one clear, consistent voice. Justin provides trusted strategic counsel to the CEO and Executive team and plays a critical role in aligning business priorities with the expectations of airport shareholders and the broader stakeholder community.
Before joining Melbourne Airport, Justin served as General Manager, Corporate Investments at Australia Post. Prior to that he was a Director, Advisory Consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Katie Cooper
Chief Executive Officer, Launceston Airport
Katie Cooper became CEO of Launceston Airport in August 2025.
Katie has a career spanning leadership roles in aviation, infrastructure and public transport. Prior to joining APAC, she was CEO of Metro Tasmania and held senior positions with Melbourne Airport, Stansted Airport, Northern Territory Airports, and Air New Zealand.
Over the course of her career, Katie has worked across Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and holds an MBA as well as GAICD qualifications. She has also served as a Non-Executive Director for several organisations, including Newcastle Airport, the Australian Airports Association, and the Public Transport Association Australia and New Zealand. Katie is the inaugural Chair of the Tasmanian Chapter of Chief Executive Women.
Scott Cooper
Executive General Manager, Major Capital Projects
Scott Cooper joined Melbourne Airport in November 2025.
Scott has over 25 years’ experience in the development and delivery of major projects in Australia, Asia and North America. His career includes working for Tier 1 contractors in the delivery of major civil and social infrastructure projects and also working for infrastructure developers and investors in the origination and oversight of major PPP and concession projects. Prior to joining, Scott was a Principal at an infrastructure advisory firm.
Scott has a Bachelor of Engineering and Commerce degree with honours from the University of Melbourne and has a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie Applied Finance Centre.