New boss to review Air NZ
Greg Foran will take over as Air New Zealand chief executive in early February, and his first 100 days will be spent reviewing the business.
The New Zealander is finishing up in his current role as president and chief executive of retail giant Walmart’s United States operations before planning to spend time with family and friends in New Zealand and Australia and relocating to Auckland.
In an internal email to staff, Air New Zealand chairman Dame Therese Walsh said Foran would start on February 3 with a 100-day review of the business ‘‘to inform his thinking on the future strategic direction of Air New Zealand’’.
To support the review, the airline’s executive had already engaged with Foran, providing insights across their portfolios as well as on the opportunities and challenges facing the airline, she said.
Foran was keen to seek the views initially of 1200 Air New Zealand leadership staff on steps that could be taken to lift the airline’s performance, she said. He would then engage with the wider business to allow all staff an opportunity to provide feedback, she said. ‘‘It is the board’s expectation that we align on the strategic direction of the business with Greg mid-year, so that we go into the August annual result period able to articulate the aspirations for Air New Zealand in this next exciting phase.’’ Air New Zealand has not disclosed what Foran will be paid but it is expected he will take a massive pay cut from his current salary of US $13 million (NZ $20m).
Christopher Luxon stepped down as Air New Zealand chief executive on September 25 after eight years with the airline and seven years as its boss.
Chief financial officer Jeff McDowall has been looking after the helm until Foran takes over.
Walsh said McDowall had done an outstanding job in the transition phase.
‘‘The business will be well set up for success heading into 2020 and our 80th anniversary year.’’