Professional Affiliation

Chief Executive, Antarctica New Zealand

Expert Bio

Sarah Williamson is the Chief Executive of Antarctica New Zealand, responsible for developing, managing, and executing New Zealand's activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. She has overseen the introduction of the biggest ever Antarctic science research platformand has led the securing of funding and project establishment for the Scott Base Redevelopment project.

Prior to joining Antarctica New Zealand, Sarah was employed as Group General Manager Business Performance at Air New Zealand and which followed a range of executive roles spanning 19 years with the Airline.  Sarah led the Regional Airlines Group to successfully double the size of the network, and was the first woman to hold an Airline Operators Certificate with CAA.  Sarah’s roles with the Airline also encompassed leading sales, supply chain, change, innovation and property divisions.  Prior to working for Air New Zealand, Sarah held senior roles in banking and Human Resources consulting.

Sarah holds a MSc in Psychology, and has attended both Harvard and INSEAD as part of the International Women’s Foundation Fellowship course.