Air New Zealand’s Leanne Geraghty to Step Down

After two decades of service, Leanne Geraghty, the Chief Customer and Sales Officer at Air New Zealand, has announced her resignation, effective from January 2025. Geraghty, who has been with the airline since 2004, is leaving to return to her native Australia, citing a desire to be closer to her family.

Geraghty joined Air New Zealand as New South Wales state manager and later took on various roles within Australia before moving to New Zealand in 2016. She was appointed as the Chief Customer and Sales Officer in 2020. Her tenure at the airline has been marked by several significant achievements, including leading successful market launches in cities such as New York, Houston, Chicago, Taipei, Seoul, and Buenos Aires.

Known for her strategic vision and leadership, Geraghty has also overseen the development of numerous brand and marketing campaigns, the production of multiple safety videos, and the appointment of a new uniform designer. Her efforts in fostering strong connections within the travel and tourism industry have been widely recognized.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran expressed gratitude for Geraghty’s contributions, noting, “Leanne has been an invaluable part of our team, and her contributions have been pivotal in shaping the airline’s success over the past 20 years. She has been an exceptional leader and team member at Air New Zealand.”

The aviation industry is rife with speculation regarding Geraghty’s potential next move, with rumors suggesting she may join former colleague Cam Wallace at Qantas, where he heads the airline’s international operations.

Geraghty’s departure marks another change in Air New Zealand’s executive team, which has witnessed considerable turnover since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans to appoint her successor are set to commence shortly.