Air New Zealand chief wins top executive award

Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe was commended by the judges for his handling of the Airbus crash this year. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe has been named as the country's top executive in an annual business award.

Fyfe received the gong last night at the Deloitte/Management magazine Top 200 company awards.

Judges said Fyfe had been recognised because of his leadership through a period of extraordinary economic turbulence.

"He has shown the ability to front-up in the toughest of times, make the hardest of decisions and still take the hearts and minds of his staff and the travelling public along with him."

Judges said Fyfe's handling of the Airbus crash off the coast of France had illustrated his personal management style and was now seen as something of a "blueprint" for how to handle stressful personal and organisational tragedies.

He was also recognised for repositioning Air New Zealand's brand.

"It presents the image of a smart company from a small country that's prepared to be innovative, is service and performance driven, and able to have a bit of fun. In doing so, it has carved out a unique Kiwi-style niche in an increasingly competitive and ruthless global market."

Fyfe beat out other finalists Jim Delegat, managing director of Delegat's Group, and Transpower New Zealand chief executive, Patrick Strange, for the award.

Specialist private medical and healthcare group Abano Healthcare was named company of the year, recognising revenue growth of 50.7 per cent and profitability growth of 31.5 per cent. The company has faced down two takeover offers in three years and this year sold its Bay Audiology New Zealand operations.

Judges said Abano had been recognised for its meticulously executed strategies and highly competent governance and management leadership. "It is also a home-grown enterprise worth emulating."

Delegat's and Ebos Group were also finalists for the top company award.