Walmart boss named Air New Zealand’s new CEO

Walmart boss named Air New Zealand’s new CEO

Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Greg Foran as the airline’s next CEO.

Foran is currently president and CEO of Walmart in the US – a role he assumed in 2014 – and joined Walmart International in 2011, where he served in a number of capacities, including as president and CEO of Walmart China up.

Before joining Walmart, Foran held a number of positions with Woolworths in Australia.

Foran replaces Christopher Luxon, who announced his resignation back in June after seven years in the role. Air New Zealand’s chief financial officer, Jeff McDowell, has been standing in as interim CEO since 26 September.

Air New Zealand chairman Dame Therese Walsh said Foran, who grew up in Hastings and Hamilton, will be an outstanding leader of the airline.

“We are thrilled to have attracted a world class Kiwi back home. Greg has an impeccable track record in delivering strong commercial performance, outstanding customer focus and in building teams that can take a business to the next level,” Walsh said.

Commenting on his appointment, Foran said: “I am an incredibly proud Kiwi, and to be given the job of nurturing and building on the legacy of an iconic company that represents the best of our nation at home and around the world really excites me.

“Air New Zealand is deservedly recognised as one of the world’s great airlines and I look forward to working alongside its people to take it to the next level.

“Air New Zealanders have an absolute love and passion for the business and their level of customer focus and care is one of the airline’s competitive advantages that I look forward to building on.

“Air New Zealand is immensely important across many spectrums, from not just timely and convenient travel but also to tourism and the environment, community support and innovation, to name but a few.

“I want Air New Zealand to continue to be at the forefront of its industry across the world and to deliver strong commercial results in the process.”

Foran will take up the position of CEO in the first quarter of 2020.

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