Highlights

  • Air New Zealand has appointed Kris Cudmore as its new Chief Financial Officer, following an extensive international search.
  • Kris Cudmore will assume the CFO role on 3 August 2026, succeeding Richard Thomson, who has served since early 2021.
  • The appointment coincides with the rollout of Air New Zealand's new strategy, Our Future | Te Pae Hou.

Overview

Air New Zealand Ltd (NZX:AIR) has announced the appointment of Kris Cudmore as its new Chief Financial Officer after completing an extensive international search. Cudmore, who currently serves as the airline's Infrastructure, Planning & Commercial Lead, will officially assume the role on 3 August 2026. He succeeds Richard Thomson, who has held the CFO position since early 2021. The leadership transition comes as Air New Zealand begins implementing its newly unveiled strategic roadmap, Our Future | Te Pae Hou, aimed at guiding the airline's long-term direction.

Kris Cudmore Brings Broad Finance and Strategic Experience

Kris Cudmore has worked with Air New Zealand in an advisory capacity for three years before formally joining the company at the end of 2025. His experience spans corporate performance, business transformation, strategic planning, capital management and aviation consulting. Prior to joining the airline, he held senior finance and transformation leadership roles at Spark New Zealand and Telstra, bringing both domestic and international experience to the CFO position.

Appointment Aligns with Air New Zealand's New Strategic Phase

According to Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar, Cudmore has played an important role in shaping the airline's new strategy and has developed a detailed understanding of its operating environment. The company believes his expertise in commercial performance, capital allocation and long-term planning will support the execution of Our Future | Te Pae Hou. Air New Zealand also acknowledged Richard Thomson's contribution in leading the finance function through a challenging period for the airline.