Air New Zealand taps former Air India CEO Campbell Wilson for board

Air New Zealand said on ​Wednesday it will ​appoint former Air India CEO ​and managing director Campbell Wilson and former CFO Robert McDonald, as directors on its board, effective ‌September ⁠24, when ⁠it holds its annual shareholders' meeting.

The appointments ​come as the airline, New Zealand's national carrier, ​navigates delayed aircraft deliveries, persistent engine problems and elevated fuel costs stemming from ​the Middle East conflict.

Also read: 'Consequences will get higher': Air India CEO Campbell Wilson tells staff amid crackdown on rule violations


New Zealand-born ⁠Campbell Wilson ‌brings more than three ​decades ​of aviation experience. He stepped ⁠down as Air India's chief executive in ​early April, after nearly four ​years in the role, amid persistent losses and increased regulatory scrutiny following a crash last year that killed 260 people.

Wilson was also the founding chief ‌executive of Scoot, Singapore Airlines' low-cost unit. During his long tenure ​at ​Singapore Airlines, ⁠he helped shape Scoot's informal, irreverent culture within a broader, more conservative organisation known for ​its focus on the premium market.

Meanwhile, Robert McDonald is currently the chair of Contact Energy and a director at FleetPartners Group.