Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Scott Wilkinson to the new role of chief commercial officer.
Wilkinson, who was previously the Qantas executive manager of digital and direct customer experience, will start in the role in the second half of the year.
The move follows the imminent departure of NZ’s chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty, who has long been the trade distribution’s key contact at the carrier— and a vocal champion of the trade distribution.
Some of the retail travel chain heads contacted today said they were still awaiting an update from NZ on where the trade portfolio fits in with the new structure, ‘or any communication on [the changes] what-so-ever’
“But if [Wilkinson’s] previous role was driving digital and direct business there may be cause for some
concern,” says one chain head. It was sentiment echoed by the brands contacted.
However, NZ says in the announcement that during his 10-year tenure at QF Wilkinson ‘led a number of major commercial initiatives focused on growing revenue, enhancing distribution capabilities, and strengthening QF’s ‘loyalty programme’.
As Wilkinson is not starting until later this year, Jeremy O’Brien has been appointed as acting chief customer and sales officer in the interim. At the same time, NZ’s Brydie Hill has started the year in her new role as gm New Zealand regional sales.
. . . New Chief Pilot
Following the retirement of NZ’s long-time chief pilot Dave Morgan, NZ has appointed long-time Air NZ pilot Nathan McGraw to the role of chief safety and risk officer.
“Nathan’s deep understanding of all aspects of NZ’s operations and wider business is extensive,” says NZ ceo Greg Foran. “His background as a pilot and focus on safety and culture are critical elements of our business, and I am looking forward to his continued leadership in this regard.” McGraw starts in the new role from 31 Mar.
