From Hillcrest High to CEO of Air New Zealand.
Greg Foran, a proud former student of Hillcrest High School, has built an impressive career in global business leadership. Currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, Greg has been at the helm of the national airline for the past five years. His role has been deeply rewarding, allowing him to connect Kiwis with each other and the world while leading a dedicated team both in Aotearoa and internationally. As his tenure comes to an end in October, he reflects on his journey, the lessons he has learned, and the values that continue to guide him.
A Career Defined by Leadership and Impact
Greg has had many proud moments in his career, but he takes the most satisfaction in seeing his team succeed. One of his key achievements was improving wages for hundreds of thousands of Walmart employees during his time in the United States. Many of these employees had no formal qualifications, so he helped implement education programmes that enabled them to graduate with recognized certifications.
At Air New Zealand, safety is the top priority, and Greg is immensely proud of the airline’s commitment to this responsibility. The past few years have brought significant challenges, but seeing his team display grit, determination, and commitment has been incredibly humbling. He has also been inspired by their willingness to embrace change and adopt new ways of working, enabling the airline to remain agile and innovative. As he often tells his team: “Learn to walk and chew gum.”
Lessons from Hillcrest High
Reflecting on his time at Hillcrest High School, Greg acknowledges the critical role that high school plays in shaping essential life skills. Learning social skills, understanding the rewards of effort, and developing resourcefulness and adaptability were all key takeaways that have influenced his career.
One lesson that remains invaluable is time management. Juggling assignments, sports, and part-time jobs taught him how to use time wisely—an essential skill in his current role. He also considers himself a lifelong learner, reading widely and maintaining curiosity. Being open to new ideas is a trait he values highly in employees and one he encourages in others.
Fond Memories and Advice for Students
Among Greg’s fondest memories of Hillcrest High School are the world-class sporting programs in which he participated, particularly athletics and cross-country running. When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, he emphasises the importance of integrity: “Integrity is a long game. Play it. Every shortcut we take matters. Build your reputation honestly, and you’ll never need to look over your shoulder.”
His advice for current students at Hillcrest is simple but powerful: “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.” He also encourages students to keep an open mind about their future careers, noting that many jobs of the future don’t even exist yet. “The world will change rapidly as you enter the workforce. Take opportunities, learn what you can, and don’t be afraid to have multiple careers.”
Looking Ahead
As Greg prepares to step down from his role at Air New Zealand, he is looking forward to the future and the new opportunities that lie ahead. While he has not yet settled on his next move, he remains excited about what’s to come, embracing the calculated risks that have shaped his career.
Finally, Greg offers a piece of wisdom to the Hillcrest High community: “Principles matter. Hold them close. The lessons you learn from your parents, grandparents, and close family friends will resonate with you for the rest of your life. They have certainly made a difference to me.”
Hillcrest High School is proud to count Greg Foran among its distinguished alumni, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
