Air NZ trims executive team, cuts pay

11.00 am

Air New Zealand says it has consolidated its group structure and executive management team, reducing the number of its functional units and senior vice presidents from 12 to six.

The continuing members of the executive have agreed to remuneration reductions averaging 15 per cent per cent.

In a statement to the Stock Exchange, the Executive Director of Air New Zealand, Roger France, said it was inevitable that there would be fewer positions in the new structure compared to the combined Air New Zealand - Ansett group.

"We faced a very difficult task making final selections between highly capable and respected executives who guided our business through the integration with Ansett," he said.

Andrew Miller has been appointed Senior Vice President - Strategy & Planning. He was the Air New Zealand - Ansett group's Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing.

Wayne Dodge continues as Vice President - Freedom Air.

Norm Thompson has been appointed Senior Vice President - Sales & Distribution. He was the Air New Zealand - Ansett group's Vice President - Australian Sales and Distribution

Paul Donovan, formerly Vice President - New Zealand and Southwest Pacific Sales and Distribution, has been appointed Vice President - Australia Sales
And Distribution.

Peter Elmsly continues as Vice President - Cargo.

Brendan Fitzgerald has been appointed Senior Vice President - Customer Services. He was the Air New Zealand - Ansett group's senior vice president - worldwide airport services.

Bill Jacobson has been appointed Senior Vice President - Operations & Technical. He was the Air New Zealand - Ansett group's engineering unit ANNZES.

Carolyn Tremain has been appointed Senior Vice President - Human Resources and Organisation Change. She held the same position in the Air New Zealand - Ansett group.

Adam Moroney continues as Chief Financial Officer until Christmas.

Karen Waddell will remain as Vice President Group Finance until Christmas.

Andrew David will also continue as Chief Information Officer.

The company says it is continuing its search for a new Chief Executive Officer. Roger France will continue in the position until an appointment is made.

John Blair continues as Company Secretary and General Counsel.

David Beatson will also continue as Vice President - Group Public Affairs.


Mr France paid tribute to a number of executives who are leaving Air New Zealand:

George Frazis, Senior Vice President, Strategy, Networks & Marketing

Lesley Grant, Senior Vice President, Customer Services

Peter Harris, Vice President, Government / International Affairs

Trevor Jensen, Senior Vice President, Operations

Andrew Pondekas, Senior Vice President, Ventures

Kevin Turnbull, Senior Vice President, Business Performance Enhancement