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Rob Fyfe's next steps still up in the air


Outgoing Air NZ chief executive hoping to find a new role without going offshore.

Georgina Bond
Tue, 19 Jun 2012

Even though his successor has been announced, Rob Fyfe is no closer to knowing his next move when he leaves Air New Zealand in December.

The airline’s outgoing chief executive told a press conference today he has received some job offers since announcing his resignation in January.

In the months since, he has fended off rumours of job offers in Richard Branson’s Virgin Group empire and that he was in the running for the top job at Telecom – now filled by Auckland International Airport’s former chief executive Simon Moutter.

Mr Fyfe says he’s waiting until the end of the year before thinking about what he does next.

“Quite seriously that couldn’t be the furtherest thing from my mind at the moment,” Mr Fyfe says.

“I’ve got an important job to do between now and the end of the year and that will have my full attention.”

After that, he doesn't want to move too far.

“Hopefully, I’ll find something here in New Zealand.”

Mr Fyfe took over as chief executive in late 2005, replacing Ralph Norris, who had guided the airline through its government recapitalisation in 2001.

Since he took the helm, Air New Zealand has maintained profitability through the global recession and has won several international awards.

His departure from Air New Zealand on December 31 coincides with the end of his term as chairman of Star Alliance and will also see him complete four years as a board member of the International Air Transport Association.

Recently, Mr Fyfe has been leading plans to reposition the airline in the challenging international environment.  

Georgina Bond
Tue, 19 Jun 2012
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Rob Fyfe's next steps still up in the air
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