Longtime CEO of the Australian International Airshow and AMDA Foundation Ian Honnery will retire from the role he has held for the past 46 years, AMDA Foundation announced today.
Current Avalon Airport CEO Justin Giddings will take over after Honnery departs.
“At the age of 75 it is time for me to hand over to a new generation of leadership, who will build on and advance the organisation’s achievements and success,” Honnery said.
AMDA Foundation Chair Vice Admiral (Retd) Chris Ritchie AO paid tribute to Honnery’s stewardship of AMDA Foundation since its beginning.
“AMDA Foundation’s stature as an established, respected leader in promotion of Australian industry owes much to the vision, skill and sheer determination of the man who has led the organisation for some 46 years since its inception,” Ritchie said.
“Over nearly five decades Ian Honnery and his team have created an organisation which has made a material contribution to the development of Australian industry, in the interests of the nation.
"Ian’s retirement, delayed so he could steer AMDA through the tribulations of COVID and oversee AMDA’s contribution to the Royal Australian Air Force Centenary year, will be well deserved.”
In welcoming Honnery's replacement, Ritchie said the board expected the transition to a new CEO to go smoothly.
“The AMDA Foundation board believes Justin Giddings has the experience, vision and drive to pick up where Ian Honnery leaves off and to ensure the continued success of AMDA Foundation for the future.
“The selection of Justin Giddings means AMDA will continue to be led by a Chief Executive who is an accomplished and constructive business leader, committed to AMDA’s altruistic mission and familiar with the complexities and challenges of the Australian International Airshow as AMDA’s signature event.”
Justin Giddings said he was looking forward to leading the AMDA Foundation and carrying on the good work of Honnery.
“I have always strongly supported AMDA Foundation’s mission of stimulating Australian industry promotion and engagement through industry focused events and in fostering public awareness of industry and of opportunities in careers and skills,” Giddings said.
“I have been fortunate to have worked alongside Ian for many years and have enormous admiration and respect for what he has achieved. He leads a wonderful organisation and I am humbled to continue his service to the industry."
Giddings takes over from Honnery at the end of March 2022.