Air New Zealand CEO resigns
March 6, 2025
Air New Zealand has announced that CEO Greg Foran will resign from his role, departing the airline on October 20, 2025.
Foran, who took the helm in 2020 after leading Walmart’s US operations, guided the airline through the turbulence of the Covid pandemic, border closures, and subsequent recovery efforts.
His resignation comes as Air New Zealand faces ongoing challenges, including supply chain issues and aircraft delivery delays.
Foran’s leadership saw the airline return to profitability, relaunch international routes, and invest in next-generation aircraft.
However, his departure raises questions about the company’s long-term strategy and leadership succession.
Air New Zealand has yet to announce a replacement.
Chair, Dame Therese Walsh, said: “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.
“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.
“As I’d expect of Greg, he’s been very generous with his notice period and will stay with Air New Zealand through to the middle of October. This allows 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.”
Foran added: “Leading Air New Zealand has been one of the greatest privileges of my 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.
“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.”
