Rob Grimm
Manager National Operations & Maintenance, Airways New Zealand
With 30 years of experience in engineering, asset management, and operational leadership, Rob Grimm has built a career delivering high-reliability outcomes across both civilian and military sectors. In his current role as Manager of National Operations and Maintenance for Airways - New Zealand’s Air Traffic Control organisation - he leads a team of more than 100 staff maintaining aviation communications, navigation, and surveillance systems ensuring compliance with Civil Aviation Part 171 and ICAO requirements to keep New Zealand’s skies safe.
Previously, as National Reliability Engineering Manager at Fonterra he delivered $11 million in efficiency improvements across multiple manufacturing sites through the implementation of data-driven maintenance strategies. In his earlier role as Maintenance Engineering Manager, he led a 25-person team to deploy RCM-based asset management processes and systems, increasing plant availability by 16%.
Brought up on a classic kiwi sheep and beef farm, Rob's foundation in engineering was built during a successful military career, where after starting out as an Avionics Technician he held several leadership positions in systems development, engineering change management and technical instruction, along with deployments to operational military environments overseas. He holds NZ Certificates in Aerospace Engineering, Management, and Business and has received two commendations for technical excellence and innovation. Rob has a wide range of interests including how hydrogen can become part of the energy picture of the future.