Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran has announced he will step down from the top job in October this year.
Greg Foran joined the national carrier in February of 2020. He had previously been the CEO of the American division of Walmart.
Chair of Air New Zealand, Dame Therese Walsh, said Foran has indicated to the Board that he believed the airline was set up well to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, and the time is right for him to take on a new challenge.
"Greg has always displayed exceptional leadership and grit, not only guiding Air New Zealand through global aviation's most significant crisis, but at the same time also maintaining the airline's tradition of innovation, strong culture and care for our country,” said Walsh.
"Perhaps his most notable contribution has been managing significant global supply chain challenges. These begun with Covid-19, and continue today with the engine issues materially impacting both our Boeing and Airbus fleets. While these challenges impact our operations almost daily, Greg's relentless focus, and global profile, have been instrumental in mitigating the consequential disruptions on our customers.”
Walsh added that, as she expected, Foran had been very generous with his notice period and will stay with Air New Zealand through to the middle of October. This will allow the Board to carry out a global search for his replacement which we will embark on immediately.
“The timing also allows Greg to help transition in a new leader. In the meantime, Greg will continue to lead Air New Zealand with the same dedication and energy that has defined his time with us."
Reflecting on his five years with the airline, Foran said leading Air New Zealand had been one of the greatest privileges of his career.
“It's been an incredible experience alongside an exceptional team. I'm incredibly proud of what we've achieved together and the way we've positioned Air New Zealand for the future,” he said.
"I am humbled by the work Air New Zealanders do every day and their extraordinary commitment to each other, our customers and our country. Despite so many issues outside of our control, we have continued to deliver improvements to our service every day and I'll leave later this year knowing Air New Zealand's foundations are immensely strong, and its future very bright. It has been an honour to serve our customers, our 11,500 strong team, and New Zealand. I will look back on my time here with immense pride and gratitude."
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