"In recent months we have undertaken a thorough and robust recruitment process and Greg has come through as the stand out candidate," Mr Bolton says.

Greg Barrow is currently an airline pilot for Virgin Airlines and a self employed aviation consultant. Previously he spent 19 years with the Airwork group of companies during which time he was CEO of Airwork Flight Operations Limited for 10 years. He also served as Director of Air Post Limited and Chairman of the helicopter division of the Aviation Industry Association. Earlier in his career he spent time as a helicopter pilot and flight operations manager.

"We are excited to have Greg on board and I have no doubt his experience and expertise will be hugely valuable in leading Auckland's Westpac Rescue Helicopter service in a time of increasing demand," Murray Bolton says.

Greg Barrow will take over the CEO role full-time from 1 July, following a handover period with current CEO Bob Parkinson, who retires at the end of June.

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