Greg Foran
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In this very special Pinnacle Post interview, we sit down with Greg Foran - Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand and former President & CEO of Walmart U.S. and Woolworths executive - to discuss his remarkable leadership journey across two of the world’s most dynamic industries. Greg shares insights into steering Air New Zealand through challenging times, lessons learned from leading at Walmart, and his vision for innovation, customer experience, and sustainability in aviation. Whether you’re interested in airline management, global retail strategy, or inspirational leadership insights, this conversation offers valuable perspectives from one of New Zealand’s most influential business leaders.
Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A: I really didn’t have any set ideas, probably just like many other young people. My mum and dad gave me some good advice along the lines of “we don’t mind what you do, as long as you try your hardest”. Through a set of circumstances, I ended up on the Woolworths trainee programme and then endeavoured to make the very most of it.
Q: Did you do an OE (Overseas Experience)? What are your thoughts on it? What advice would you give to people who are thinking about an OE?
A: I travelled to London when I was young and worked at John Lewis. I had a fantastic time. What would I say to someone thinking about their OE? Just go! There will never be the perfect time to go and no-one is ever completely ready. And that’s the point. The best growth happens when you are outside of your comfort zone. You’ll learn more about the world and yourself if it’s a stretch. And don’t just be a tourist – work, volunteer, make friends with locals and then when you are ready bring what you’ve learnt home.
What would I say to someone thinking about their OE? Just go! There will never be the perfect time to go and no-one is ever completely ready. And that’s the point. The best growth happens when you are outside your comfort zone.
Q: You've had a remarkable career from working at Woolworths in Hamilton from the age of 17 to being considered for Woolworth's top role, to your journey to CEO of Walmart US and now CEO of Air New Zealand. Looking back on your career, what are the key decisions or moments that significantly shaped your path to success?
A: I grew up in a house where everyone did their bit. You showed up, you worked hard and you treated people right – no matter who they were. That’s what shaped me – not a big break. I also never turned down a role someone asked me to do. It didn’t matter whether it was perceived as an upwards trajectory or downwards, I got on and did it to the best of my ability. I saw it as “sensible risk taking” and backed myself.
I also never turned down a role someone asked me to do. It didn’t matter whether it was perceived as an upwards trajectory or downwards, I got on and did it to the best of my ability. I saw it as “sensible risk taking” and backed myself.
Q: Tell me about your career highlights and lowlights.
A: I've had so many. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing my team do well, so my highlights tend to involve people. At Air New Zealand, safety is our utmost priority, and I am immensely proud of the work our team do in this area. The airline has had our share of challenges over the last couple of years, and a highlight for me has been seeing the team show real grit, determination and commitment every day to make our operations go smoothly. It's incredibly humbling. In Walmart I think it was about our academies. We invested a lot into training and developing our associates.
Q: What is the main thing that has enabled you to succeed in different industries and locations?
A: I just kept showing up, doing the work and trying to be useful. Nothing fancy. Also keeping an open mind, being curious and a strong desire to improve outcomes for all stakeholders.
Q: From your experience, what are the key factors that enable people to transition from the middle management roles to upper management and C-suite?
A: From my experience, the most outstanding leaders earn their position through hard work, integrity, being curious and having an interest in the detail. Caring about culture, holding your nerve and leading with a sense of greater purpose are also great traits.
Attributes are often much more critical than skills. Skills are something you can teach and learn, while attributes are guidelines and features that are more inherent.
Attributes are often much more critical than skills. Skills are something you can teach and learn, while attributes are guidelines and features that are more inherent.
Q: Do you set goals?
A: Yes I do. They are important as we strive for continuous improvement. Every year I set myself a large list of goals for myself and also my team, then we track our performance during the year.
Q: Being in roles with significant responsibility, how do you deal with stress and pressure?
A: Generally times of stress and pressure pass. Keeping calm and focused, having good people around you and never swaying from your values and what’s right helps.
I’ve learnt to panic slowly. In many cases if you can buy yourself a little more time you will find a better solution. What’s more, your team appreciate a calm head.
I’ve learnt to panic slowly. In many cases if you can buy yourself a little more time you will find a better solution. What’s more, your team appreciate a calm head.
Q: How do you manage life outside of work? What are your thoughts on work life balance? What’s a day in the life of Greg Foran?
A: I get up reasonably early, exercise and read the news. I tend to get into work early and most days are full of meetings. I love it when I get out in the operations which I do as often as I can. I’ve found over the years that quality of time is often more important than quantity, so when I am with my family, I make it worthwhile.
Q: What are your thoughts on your personal brand and network?
A: I don’t have a brand. I have values and they serve me at work and at home.
I don’t have a brand. I have values and they serve me at work and at home.
Q: You’ve mentioned your vision for Air New Zealand to be at the forefront of AI and become the leading digital airline. With technology advancing at such a rapid pace, it’s clear that the next generation must be prepared to adapt and thrive in this environment. What advice would you give our readers on how they can set themselves up for success in the future, particularly in relation to technology and AI?
A: AI is changing the game but the fundamentals haven’t changed – yet! Work hard, be decent, learn fast. And never stop asking “how can I make this better?”. The people who will thrive with AI are those that are open, adaptable and curious. Darwin got it right, “its not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It’s the one that is most adaptable to change.”
Darwin got it right, “its not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It’s the one that is most adaptable to change.”
Q: Some of our audience are a few years into their careers and are beginning to think about their financial futures. Do you have any wisdom or advice you could share?
A: Being smart is great but being decent matters more. Intelligence may open the door, but how you treat people will determine how long you stay.
Being smart is great but being decent matters more. Intelligence may open the door, but how you treat people will determine how long you stay.
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
A: To me integrity matters. I’d tell myself that integrity is a long game. Every short cut we take matters. Build your reputation honestly and you’ll never need to look over your shoulder. Candour is also an attribute I’ve come to admire - use it well and will it save you a lot of time.
Build your reputation honestly and you’ll never need to look over your shoulder. Candour is also an attribute I’ve come to admire - use it well and will it save you a lot of time.
Q: If neither time nor resources were a constraint, what ultimate goal or dream would you pursue or have pursued?
A: I am very grateful for the life I have led and continue to lead, and the opportunities that I have been afforded as well as my friends and family.
At 16 years old I didn’t have any idea where my life would take me but I’ve been very fortunate to date.
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand is the country’s flagship carrier, renowned for its innovative service, safety record, and extensive domestic and international network. With a strong focus on customer experience and sustainability, Air New Zealand connects Kiwis to the world while showcasing the best of Aotearoa both in the air and on the ground.
About Walmart
Walmart is the world’s largest retailer, serving millions of customers globally through its extensive network of stores and online platforms. Known for its commitment to everyday low prices and wide product range, Walmart has become a leader in retail innovation and supply chain management across more than two dozen countries.
