Hamilton Island's Managing Director resigns

by Susan Boyd on 16 Sep 2005 Wayne Kirkpatrick today resigned from his position as Managing Director of Hamilton Island Limited.

Hamilton Island Chairman, Sandy Oatley, will assume the role of Executive Chairman.

Mr Kirkpatrick joined the then-troubled Hamilton Island in 1996, during a time it was recording financial losses. He resurrected the fortunes of the company and built it into one of Australia’s leading tourist destinations, but in recent years, Hamilton Island has enjoyed record occupancies and is one of the few regional ports in Australia to be serviced by the three major Australian airlines.

Mr Kirkpatrick was instrumental in introducing the Oatley family to become owners of the Company in 2003.

Sandy Oatley commented, ‘we are very grateful to Wayne for the significant contribution he has made to positioning Hamilton Island to where it is today. We congratulate him on his efforts and wish him every success for the future.’

Mr Kirkpatrick has not announced his plans for the future.

‘In the short-term I will take a break and pursue my favourite recreational activities of sailing and skiing,’ Mr Kirkpatrick said.

‘I am considering a variety of business opportunities within the tourism industry and look forward to the next exciting chapter in my career. I wish the Oatley family and all my many friends and colleagues on Hamilton Island continuing success, as this is a wonderful asset in a special part of the world,’ he concluded.