Katie Cooper, Chief Executive Officer
Katie stepped into the role of CEO at Launceston Airport in August 2025, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for connecting people and places. Her career has spanned key leadership roles across aviation, infrastructure, and public transport.
Before joining APAC, Katie led Metro Tasmania as CEO and held senior roles with organisations such as Melbourne Airport, Stansted Airport, Northern Territory Airports, and Air New Zealand. Her journey has taken her across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, giving her a truly global perspective.
Katie holds an MBA and GAICD qualifications, and has generously shared her expertise as a Non-Executive Director with several respected organisations, including Newcastle Airport, the Australian Airports Association, and the Public Transport Association Australia and New Zealand.
She also proudly serves as the inaugural Chair of the Tasmanian Chapter of Chief Executive Women, championing leadership and opportunity for women.
Geoff Duggan, Head of Finance & Corporate Services
Geoff is a senior finance professional with experience across the public and private sectors. Geoff has held CFO and leadership roles in transport & infrastructure, logistics, health and professional practice with a focus on finance strategy, risk, governance and infrastructure funding.
At Launceston Airport, Geoff has accountability for finance and corporate services including strategy development, financial reporting, forecasting, treasury, risk, IT & safety.
Geoff also brings governance experience through board roles in education and sport, including Chairing Audit and Risk Committees.
Marcus Lancaster, Head of Airport Operations & Assets
Marcus brings deep expertise in airport operations and asset management, with experience across Launceston, Newcastle, and Melbourne airports. He also serves as Vice President and Board Member of the Launceston Chamber of Commerce, supporting regional growth and business development.
Marcus holds a Bachelor of Aviation from Newcastle University and has completed the Aviation Security Professional Management course through Concordia University.
Ilya Brucksch, Head of Planning, Development & Customer
Ilya is an accomplished Tasmanian professional who brings a unique blend of expertise in architecture and design, project management, construction and airport operations.
Ilya is a registered architect who practiced for many years prior to undertaking a Masters in Project Management, and pursuing a career in the airports industry.
With over a decade in the aviation sector, he’s led airport planning, development, and communications, and currently serves as Chair of the Australian Airports Association Tasmanian Division.
Steven Pickering, Head of Commercial
Steven brings global experience in aviation, transport, and tourism, and has held senior commercial, market and strategy roles at Hobart International Airport, Etihad, Jetstar, Qantas, V/Line and PwC. He’s driven by business growth and long-term value for Tasmania in both travel and trade.
Steven holds an MBA and Master of Marketing from Melbourne Business School, University of Melbourne; a Master of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Sydney; and a Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing and International Business) from University of Wollongong. He is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.