Air New Zealand appoints its next chief financial officer

Calculator in the shadow of an abacus

Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Richard Thomson as its next chief financial officer (CFO).

Thomson’s new gig marks his return to Air New Zealand, having worked in a number of senior roles at the airline for roughly 12-and-a-half years between 2005 and 2017.

He currently holds the CFO position at Metlifecare, and is expected to take up his new role with Air New Zealand in early 2021 once he has completed his contractual obligations at the publicly-listed retirement village provider.

The airline’s current CFO, Jeff McDowall, will undertake a “structured transition” with Thomson and, as previously announced, will leave Air New Zealand after the completion of its planned equity raise in the first half of next year.

Richard Thomson

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran described Thomson as “an exceptionally well-respected executive with a proven track record as a listed company CFO, and is regarded as an outstanding leader with in-depth airline knowledge and experience”.

“He is highly regarded in Air New Zealand after holding a series of senior commercial and finance roles between 2004-17,” Foran said.

“His understanding of the domestic and international aviation markets will be critical as we seize upon the opportunities that will emerge when borders begin to reopen.


Featured image source: iStock/bradleym

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