Queenstown Airport Corporation chief executive Scott Paterson has died following a short battle with cancer. He was 54.
In a statement, airport board chairman John Gilks paid tribute to Mr Paterson, who was a "highly respected colleague and manager" and "a loyal friend''.
"His hard work, passion and dedication to the job in leading the airport community was second to none and we will remember him warmly for his fun-loving down-to-earth nature, generosity, honesty and compassion.
"Our thoughts are with Scott's family and the QAC board and staff are doing everything we can to support them in their loss."
Mr Paterson was appointed as chief executive in March 2012 and during his tenure drove key projects, including gaining Civil Aviation Authority approval in 2014 for the airport's foundation safety case to operate evening flights, resulting in a NZ Major Airport of the Year award.
He also rolled out a 20-year plan to mitigate the effects of aircraft noise on its closest neighbours and led several multimillion-dollar terminal expansion and improvement projects, including the new $17 million international terminal, which opened in June.
Originally from Auckland, Mr Paterson qualified as a lawyer and accountant and spent several years overseas with his family.
Before joining Queenstown Airport he gained extensive infrastructure and commercial experience at companies including Ports of Portland, Ports of Auckland, Winston Aggregates, Fletcher Building and Ernst & Young.
Mr Paterson also sat on several boards and was a director of the FIFA Under 20 World Cup in New Zealand.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
