Air New Zealand will have a new chief executive in 2013 after incumbent Rob Fyfe confirmed this would be his last year at the helm of the national carrier.
Chairman John Palmer said Fyfe "has ensured that Air New Zealand has remained profitable despite the backdrop of turbulent economic times that have seen airlines lose billions globally".
"Rob’s leadership skills have also been acknowledged internationally with his current chairmanship of the Star Alliance and his continuing role as a member of the IATA Board," Palmer added.
Fyfe, who plans to pursue new opportunities, made a commitment when appointed as CEO in 2005 to remain until 2012.
Palmer said Fyfe "has also been clear with the Board that he did not want to become a road block to the career aspirations of the executive management team and the decision to leave at the end of this year will create an opportunity for growth and renewal within that team at Air New Zealand".
Air NZ said it expects significant in interest in the role, both internationally "and from within Air New Zealand’s existing executive management team".
