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Simon Hickey is the Chief Executive Officer of Western Sydney Airport and is leading the team building one of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.

He has extensive experience spanning more than 30 years across aviation, construction and retail, both in Australia and globally. As chief executive of Qantas International and Freight, he led the return to profitability of the nation’s flagship carrier, establishing new network alliances, improving efficiency and increasing customer advocacy. His leadership transformed Qantas’ loyalty program from its origins of 20 people in direct marketing to a separate, independent business that is now valued at over $3 billion.

His career has taken him to London and New York as Divisional CFO for Lendlease, globalising the construction arm of the company. During his time in New York, Mr Hickey’s leadership ensured the safety of his team during the September 11 terrorist attacks, before putting himself on the ground with them during the rescue operation and site recovery.

Mr Hickey has been a longstanding board member of the Children’s Hospital Foundation. As the current Deputy Chair, he is inspired to make a difference to the lives of children, their families and those who care for them.

Having grown up in Sydney, Mr Hickey studied commerce at the University of NSW before embarking on his career. He sees the Airport’s unique opportunity to drive meaningful socioeconomic change across Western Sydney as his community legacy.