The Walshe Group has promoted experienced aviation leader Nigel Bale as Lufthansa Group’s new Group Manager for Australia & New Zealand, consolidating leadership in a single management structure.
Bale has led New Zealand operations for Lufthansa Group as NZ General Manager since 2021 and brings more than 20 years’ experience across different airlines in Australia and New Zealand to the new role.
He also has more than 20 years’ tenure at The Walshe Group, Lufthansa Group’s general sales agent (GSA) in Australia and New Zealand, working across reservations, pricing and finance divisions for the airline and destination sales, marketing and PR representation company.
In his expanded role, Bale will be responsible for the regional commercial performance of Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings, a global network that connects Australian and New Zealand travellers to more than 300 destinations.
He will work closely with the Group’s sales teams to strengthen their world-class network and deepen partnerships with the local travel trade in Australasia.
Bale takes up the role in October 2025, succeeding Country Manager Australia Anil Rodricks, who has decided to leave the aviation industry after more than three decades, and will work closely together during the transition period.
Lufthansa Group added Italian flag carrier ITA Airways to the German-owned global aviation company’s stable of major airlines earlier this year.
The Walshe Group recently announced a promotion for Lufthansa Group’s Candice Steffensen as the new South African Airways National Sales Manager for Australia & New Zealand.
Find out more at lufthansa.walshegroup.com
