Air New Zealand has announced the appointment of Neal Barclay as a Non-Executive Director, effective from 1 May 2025. Mr. Barclay brings a wealth of experience in commercial leadership, sustainability, and infrastructure, notably from his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Energy, New Zealand’s largest electricity generator and retailer.
During his time at Meridian Energy, which he joined in 2008 as Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Barclay held several senior leadership roles.
He served as General Manager of Markets and Production, overseeing generation asset management and wholesale trading, before becoming General Manager of Retail, where he was responsible for customer sales, service, and operations.
In January 2018, he was appointed Chief Executive, leading the company through significant growth in renewable energy and championing a customer-centric approach.
Prior to his tenure at Meridian, Mr. Barclay spent 13 years with Telecom New Zealand, holding various senior finance leadership positions. He also serves as a non-executive director of Chorus New Zealand.
Air New Zealand’s Chair, Dame Therese Walsh, expressed enthusiasm about the new appointment, stating that Neal is a highly regarded business leader within New Zealand, and his extensive commercial and financial skills, alongside his infrastructure sector expertise, will further strengthen the Board.
Mr. Barclay shared his excitement about joining the Board, remarking that Air New Zealand has always been a company I deeply admire, as it’s critically important to New Zealand’s prosperity.
Its unwavering commitment to connecting New Zealanders with the world, coupled with an innovative spirit, is truly commendable.
Mr. Barclay holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration from Victoria University of Wellington and was made a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
This appointment comes as Air New Zealand continues to strengthen its leadership team, aiming to navigate current challenges and capitalize on future opportunities in the aviation industry.
With Mr. Barclay’s extensive experience in leading large-scale organizations and driving sustainable growth, his addition to the Board is poised to contribute significantly to the airline’s strategic direction and governance.
As Air New Zealand embarks on this new chapter, the Board’s composition reflects a diverse range of expertise and experience, positioning the airline to effectively address the dynamic landscape of global aviation and continue its legacy of connecting New Zealand to the world.
