Air N.Z. chairman to retire early

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33786, 7 March 1975, Page 17

Air N.Z. chairman to retire early

(Xcw Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. fhe chairman of Air New Zealand ( Sir Geoffrey Roberts) said on Wednesday that he was retiring early in the hope that it would clear the way for a scries of promotions within the airline.

Sir Geoffrey let the Government know of his intentions only on Tuesday when he told the Minister of Civil Aviation (Dr Finlay) that he wished to retire from the board and its chairmanship at the end of June.

Sir Geoffrey’s present term i was not due to expire until next year. He has been chair- i man since 1965. He said in Auckland that his decision was motivated solely by what he thought was the right timing for the company and its staff.

“There is a timing for all; such events,” he said. “I! think that now is the time to give way if the best interests of the company and the staff are to be served. "1 have always believed that a concern with a rapid growth rate such as an airline must be freed right at the top to let younger menj come through.

“1 did this 17 years ago ; when I was not much over the-age of 50, not because 1 was worn out. but simpts because I considered that 12 years as general manager and chief executive was long enough if staff under me were to be given a break and not be lost to competitors.”

Good health Dismissing health as a reason for his early retire- , ment, Sir Geoffrey said he! had never been better. But,) naturally, he was getting' older. He said the industry was! so vigorous and demanding that a person must not grow too old in it. “1 believe the best results’ are achieved by the staff being a very fine blend of young vigour tempered by middle-aged wisdom and ex- j perience,” Sir Geoffrey said. “My own philosophy is to; always give way at the top and not when in decline.” Speaking about a suc-

icessor, he said that although his position as chairman was nonexecutive, it could not be entirely divorced from the i fact that he had had a lifetime of involvement with the industry. “I am hopeful, therefore. ■ that my retirement will open up avenues of advancement right down through the company.” Although it was not said by Sir Geoffrey, this would! follow if Mr C. J. Keppel, the | deputy chairman and chief executive became chairman | ■ and relinquished his executive position. ! And it could be said that i the ground work has (already been laid. In December, Mt Keppel, who was appointed to the : board by the Government tn October, 1973, became I deputy chairman. At the time, Mr M. R. Davis I became assistant general manager and deputy chief executive, and Mr A. A. Watson another assistant general manager and director of finance.