Air NZ CEO Greg Foran to Step Down
Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Greg Foran, will step down from his role in October 2025, marking the end of a transformative five-year tenure. In a press statement, the airline’s chair, Dame Therese Walsh, confirmed the news, noting that Foran has expressed his belief that the carrier is well-positioned for future growth and that “the time is right for him to take on a new challenge.”
Foran’s departure comes at a critical juncture for Air New Zealand. Since taking the helm in February 2020, he has led the airline through one of the most challenging periods in global aviation history. Joining from Walmart US, where he served as CEO from 2014 to 2019, Foran brought with him extensive experience from senior roles at Woolworths, one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading retailers. His diverse background has been credited with helping the airline navigate unprecedented global supply chain challenges and disruptions that began during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to affect the airline’s Airbus and Boeing fleet.
Dame Therese Walsh praised Foran’s exceptional leadership during his tenure. “Greg has always displayed exceptional leadership and grit, not only guiding Air New Zealand through global aviation’s most significant crisis but also maintaining the airline’s tradition of innovation, strong culture, and care for our country,” she said. His efforts in managing supply chain issues have been crucial in minimizing disruptions for customers, ensuring that the airline remained operational even when facing daily challenges.
Throughout his five-year career at Air New Zealand, Foran steered the airline with a relentless focus on innovation and operational resilience. Under his leadership, the carrier not only weathered the severe impacts of the global pandemic but also continued to invest in its long-term future. Foran’s management style and global profile helped mitigate disruptions caused by supply chain issues, a legacy that has been widely recognized within the industry. “Leading Air New Zealand has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. It’s been an incredible experience alongside an exceptional team,” Foran remarked as he reflected on his time with the airline. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and the way we’ve positioned Air New Zealand for the future.”
His strategic decisions, including a focus on sustaining operational excellence during crisis periods, have ensured that Air New Zealand maintains its reputation for service and innovation. As the airline now prepares for its next phase, the board is confident that the foundation laid by Foran will continue to support strong growth and competitiveness in an evolving market.
While Foran’s next challenge remains undisclosed, his departure opens the door for Air New Zealand to search for a new leader who can build on his legacy and drive further progress. Industry analysts suggest that the transition could also spark a period of fresh strategic initiatives as the carrier continues to recover from recent global challenges and adapts to emerging trends in air travel.
As Air New Zealand looks ahead to a future filled with new opportunities, the company remains committed to delivering top-tier service and innovative travel solutions. For passengers and industry watchers alike, Greg Foran’s departure marks both an end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for Air New Zealand, ensuring that the airline continues to thrive in a dynamic global landscape.
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