Air New Zealand short haul general manager Bruce Parton and his international airline counterpart Christopher Luxon have emerged as the two frontrunners for the airline’s top role.
It is believed the board has narrowed down its search with Parton or Luxon expected to get the nod to succeed Rob Fyfe as chief executive. Fyfe is due to step down at the end of the year.
Parton joined Air New Zealand in 1996 with Luxon taking over from Ed Sims as Air NZ’s international airline general manager just over 12 months ago.
Luxon has previous chief executive experience with Unilever Canada although his limited aviation experience could work against him.
A global search for Fyfe’s replacement was launched, but Air NZ was always said to be keen to find a successor from within its own ranks.
Air NZ deputy chief executive Norm Thompson told Travel Today last month that an internal candidate was his preferred option if suitable candidates emerged.
