Darren Evans

Darren Evans has extensive work experience in the field of safety, risk management, and leadership. Darren currently holds the position of Chief Safety & Risk Officer at Auckland Airport, a role they have held since November 2023. Prior to this, they worked at Number Eight Risk as Director, Asia Pacific since July 2017.

Before joining Auckland Airport, Darren worked at Air New Zealand where they held various roles, including General Manager Safety & Aviation Medicine from January 2017 to November 2023 and General Manager - Group Security, People Safety & Medical from December 2014 to January 2017. Darren also served as the Director, New Zealand & Pacific Islands at RIMS (Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.) from June 2018 to June 2021.

Earlier in their career, Darren held managerial positions at Parsons Brinckerhoff and Balfour Beatty, where they focused on HSEQ, security, resilience, and assurance. Darren also worked at NAB as Group HSS Manager Europe from June 2003 to November 2008 and as a Consultant for Victoria & Tasmania from July 2001 to June 2003.

Darren Evans has a diverse education history. Darren holds a Master of Letters (MLitt, St And) degree from the University of St Andrews, with a focus on International Relations. Darren also obtained a Master of Science (MSc) degree from Buckinghamshire New University, specializing in Business Continuity, Security & Emergency Management (Organisational Resilience), as well as a BCI Diploma in Business Continuity Management from the same institution.

Furthermore, Darren has pursued postgraduate papers at the University of Otago in the field of Māori, Pacific & Indigenous Studies through the Te Tumu School. Darren has also completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Terrorism and Counterterrorism from the University of St Andrews.

In terms of undergraduate studies, Darren has completed level 6 papers in Social Anthropology and Social Psychology at the University of Oxford, and has also undertaken Risk Management papers at the University of Toronto.

Additionally, Darren has obtained several certifications throughout their career. These include a Certificate in Health Coaching Science from PREKURE (to be obtained in 2023), a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors in New Zealand (obtained in 2019), and a Just Culture Champion certification from The Just Culture Company (obtained in 2015). Darren also holds an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor - Information Security Certification from BSI (obtained in 2014), a Business Continuity Management Systems - Lead Auditor certification from BSI (obtained in 2010), and a Certificate: Applied Solutions in Fire Engineering from the Institute of Fire Engineers and Professionals (obtained in 2006). Additionally, Darren has received a Health & Safety Management Systems - Lead Auditor certification from the (NSCA) National Safety Council of Australia (obtained in 2000) and a BSC Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health Management (DipOSH) from the British Safety Council. Darren also holds an IEMA Certificate in Environmental Management from IEMA.