Air New Zealand is appointing former prime minister John Key as one of its board directors effective from September 1.
Chairperson Tony Carter says the board has been actively searching for a director with strong international business experience and an in-depth knowledge of tourism for around a year.
“The growth of Air New Zealand’s international operations around the Pacific Rim is an area of sharp focus. The board identified last year that the addition of a director with international experience would be critical to supporting the chief executive officer and his executive team. We also recognised that the ideal candidate would have a strong empathy for the tourism industry,” says Carter.
“When John Key announced he was stepping down as Prime Minister and moving to a new phase of life outside of politics, it became a priority for the Board to try to secure his services,” says Carter.
“He will bring extensive international commercial experience, outstanding leadership skills, global perspective and a keen understanding of the tourism sector gained during the years he was tourism minister as well as prime minister of New Zealand,” Carter continued to say.
“Air New Zealand is an incredible company that has significant opportunities ahead of it, and I look forward to working with the Board, Chief Executive Officer and his Executive team to see it fulfil its potential,” says Key.
Air New Zealand is also announcing that its longest serving director Paul Bingham will be retiring at the annual shareholders’ meeting in September.
