Air New Zealand has appointed Christopher Luxon to the role of Group General Manager International Airline effective May 30 this year.

Air New Zealand’s International Airline carries approximately 1.6 million long haul passengers annually, has annual revenue of approximately $NZD 1.8 billion and employs more than 3,000 staff. The International Airline is the most significant tourism business in New Zealand carrying a third of all inbound visitors to New Zealand. Inbound visitors to New Zealand collectively generate foreign exchange earnings of $NZD 9.5 billion a year.

Christopher joins Air New Zealand from Unilever where he has been President and CEO of Unilever Canada since December 2008. In this role he was responsible for leading Unilever’s $USD 1.4 billion business & 1,500 employees in Canada. Christopher led Unilever Canada on a major change programme that has resulted in record growth, increased value for shareholders and enhanced customer service.

In addition to his Canadian responsibilities, Christopher is a key member of the North American Leadership Team that directs Unilever’s $USD 10 billion regional business and he also sits on Unilever’s Americas Regional Operations Leadership Team. Since January 2011 he has also been leading Unilever’s $USD 4 billion Personal Care business in the United States.

Christopher is a 40-year-old New Zealander who joined Unilever in 1993 after completing an M.Comm at the University of Canterbury. He has vast international experience having worked in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada in a range of local, regional and global assignments dealing with both developing and developed markets. Brands he has taken a senior leadership role in growing globally include Dove, Rexona and Lynx; and he has been recognised with several awards for his brand work. Christopher has also lead one of Unilever’s Asian Innovation Centres