Air New Zealand has appointed Greg Foran, currently chief executive of Walmart US, as its new CEO from early next year.
Greg – a New Zealander – joined Walmart International in 2011, where he carried out a number of roles including president and CEO of Walmart China.
He took up his current role in 2014 and has been responsible for the strategic direction and performance of the company’s 4600 stores and more than 1 million staff, Air New Zealand said in a statement.
Last year Walmart US served more than 160 million customers a week and had revenues of US$307 billion.
He will take up the reins of Air New Zealand in the first quarter of 2020. He replaces Christopher Luxon who resigned effective September 25. Chief financial officer Jeff McDowall is currently acting CEO.
Chris also carved out an executive career in North America, running Unilever Canada before returning home for a role at the national carrier.
Walmart put out a separate statement naming a new CEO for Walmart US and says Greg will stay on through January 31 to "ensure a smooth transition."
“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," says Air New Zealand chair Therese Walsh.
“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," Greg says.
Greg will take the helm as the national carrier faces a series of headwinds such as higher jet fuel costs and weakening global markets for air travel as well as a domestic slowdown that is impacting travel at home.
