Air New Zealand boss Luxon resigns, could pursue politics
Jun 19, 2019
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxon has announced he's resigning after 7 years in the top job at the national carrier
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxon said Wednesday he's resigning after seven years in the top job at the national carrier.
Many have speculated that Luxon has political ambitions, and that he would be a natural fit with the conservative National Party that was ousted from power in 2017 by a liberal coalition led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
In a statement Wednesday, Luxon said he will take some time to reflect on what he will do next, and that his future work options include corporate life, nonprofits and politics.
"I know I am going to get a lot of questions about where to next for me," Luxon, 48, said in a statement.
He said that with both his children finishing high school, he and wife Amanda would have "a new degree of freedom, including career choices."
He said he will step down as CEO in September but will keep an advisory role at the airline. Chairman Tony Carter said the airline was searching for his replacement and expected to be able to make an announcement "in the near future."
Air New Zealand is 525 owned by the New Zealand government. The airline serves about 17 million passengers each year with a fleet of 115 planes.
In its most recent annual results, the company reported a before-tax profit of 540 million New Zealand dollars ($353 million), it's second-highest profit ever. As a result, it awarded 8,500 staff bonuses of up to NZ$1,800 each.
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