Air NZ appoints CFO Jeff McDowall as interim CE

Air NZ has appointed CFO Jeff McDowall as interim CE to succeed Christopher Luxon, who will step down from the position Sept 25. The carrier said McDowall “is not seeking permanent appointment to the [CE] role.” Stephan Deschamps, GM for corporate finance, will be acting CFO. Air NZ said McDowall will lead the company “while the final phase of [CE] recruitment is underway.” Luxon announced June 19 that he would be stepping down as CE, although the carrier said he would be staying on in an advisory role to support his replacement. A global search is being undertaken, overseen by board member Therese Walsh. The position “has attracted strong interest from candidates within New Zealand and overseas,” Walsh said. <br/>