Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran on Oct. 20 will step down from his role and depart the carrier, the company announced late Wednesday.
No replacement immediately was named. Air New Zealand board chair Therese Walsh in a statement said the carrier's board of directors would "carry out a global search for his replacement which we will embark on immediately."
Walsh noted the six months of notice Foran provided "allows Greg to help transition in a new leader. In the meantime, Greg will continue to lead Air New Zealand with the same dedication and energy that has defined his time with us."
Foran did not announce any future plans, but Air New Zealand in a statement indicated that "Greg has indicated to the Board that he believes the airline is set up well to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation, and the time is right for him to take on a new challenge."
Foran joined Air New Zealand as CEO in 2019, after serving five years as CEO of Walmart's U.S. business. Walsh hailed his "exceptional leadership and grit" in leading the carrier through the Covid-19 crisis and the subsequent supply chain challenges.