Air New Zealand has appointed Alexandria Marren as its new chief operating officer from late March. 

Marren, who currently heads Atlanta-based aviation services provider ABM Aviation, has more than 36 years in operations, customer, cabin crew and airport leadership roles, says Air New Zealand. 

Alex Marren

Incoming Air New Zealand chief operating officer Alexandria Marren

She oversaw car rental company Hertz’s North American operations, and was senior vice president for network operations at United Airlines, according to her LinkedIn profile. 

Marren will replace outgoing operations chief Carrie Hurihanganui, who is leaving to helm airport operator Auckland International Airport in February.

Prior to Marren’s arrival, Air New Zealand says the responsibilities of the chief operating officer will be undertaken by members of its executive team. 

Separately, the airline has also promoted Mike Williams to the role of chief transformation and alliances officer, where he will oversee strategy and alliance partner relationships.

Williams, who joined the carrier in 2016, is currently group general manager for commercial, alliances and strategy. He was previously with Boston Consulting Group working with clients in aviation, technology and retail sectors. 

Michael Williams

Air New Zealand has appointed Mike Williams as its new chief transformation and alliances officer.

Air New Zealand chief Greg Foran says the new appoints will “further equip” the leadership team “with the skills and experience to help the airline emerge strongly from the pandemic and deliver improved results for customers and shareholders”.