Air NZ names Nikki Dines as new CPO

Joe McCollum is set to leave the aviation company next year

Air NZ names Nikki Dines as new CPO

Air NZ has announced a new CPO to lead the company’s HR functions as the business looks to forge a path out of the pandemic.

Nikki Dines, currently GM people - revenue and employee experience, will take up the role from February 1.

She will take over from Joe McCollum who joined the company in April this year on a fixed term contract.

Announcing the hire, Air NZ CEO Greg Foran said Dines has developed a proven track record of achievements over her seven years with the business.

He said: “Nikki is regarded as an outstanding leader with considerable airline knowledge and experience.

“Her promotion into the role is a credit to the depth of talent we have within the airline.”

Read more: Air New Zealand must 'save as many high-skilled jobs as it can'

Dines holds an LLB (Hons) and BA qualifications from the University of Auckland and prior to joining Air New Zealand, she was a partner with LangtonHudsonButcher.

She is also set to be a speaker at HRD’s upcoming National HR Summit New Zealand.

Meanwhile, McCollum will return to his consultancy practice.

He took over from Jodie King, who became CPO at Vodafone NZ, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foran said: “I want to thank Joe McCollum, who has played a critical role in helping Air New Zealand navigate the COVID-19 crisis and for getting us in a position to be ready to seize the opportunities ahead."

Read more: Air New Zealand’s new safety video goes viral

Air NZ has suffered more than 4,000 job losses as it struggled against lockdowns and international border closures.

The pandemic saw around 30% of its staff out of work as the company tried to reduce its wage bill by $150 million.

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